SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS DRAW BIG CROWDS TO CAPE

About 430 elementary and junior high students attended summer music camp last week at Southeast Missouri State University.

This marks the 34th year for the camp, which is one of the largest in the nation, according to Barry Bernhardt, Southeast director of activity bands and summer music camp.

"I think it's a wonderful musical and social experience for all of the children we have on our campus," he said. "We offer five hours of music rehearsal a day."

In addition to music training, the student also participated in recreational activities including a dance, a movie and swimming. The campers also attend a master class with specialized instruction on their particular instrument and a Municipal Band concert.

Last week, the university hosted fifth through eighth graders placed in three elementary and three junior high bands. A guitar camp and a keyboard camp also were held.

At the camp's end, 10 students were named "Outstanding Music Campers." They include: Rebecca Lewis, 14, of Cape Girardeau, trumpet; Jill Lowes, 13, of Jackson, alto saxophone; Brandon Stricker, 12, of Sikeston, bassoon; Mark Miller, 14, of Oakville, French horn; Shaun Langford, 13, of jackson, percussion; Jeremy Stanek, 14, of Qulin, trumpet; Kara Newman, 14, of Arnold, tenor saxophone; Katie Hunn, 12, St. Charles, percussion; Todd Niemeier, 15, St. Charles, guitar; and Monica Bishop, 12, of Marquand, tuba.

About 350 students are expected for this week's camp which begins today. The summer music camps will continue through the first week of August.