By: Alexandria Yarusso
This summer, the halls of the College of Music rang once again with music from the next generation of musicians and performers as the FSU Summer Music Camps celebrated their 85th season. Over 1,600 elementary, middle, and high school students attended the orchestra, piano, jazz, choral, and band camps that the Summer Music Camps host. Students traveled from over 18 U.S. states and 3 countries to partake in this long-standing tradition. Campers had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside accomplished FSU faculty in their final performances.
The successful 2025 season and strong enrollment highlighted the dedication of over 150 College of Music faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students. World-renowned alumni and instructors from some of the nation’s top music programs provided exceptional instruction, administration, and counselor support to all campers during each of the week-long programs in June and July. The FSU Summer Music Camps continue to foster the importance of music education within the community; for students and staff alike, these four weeks are filled with countless memories, friendships, and the development of valuable musical skills.
The FSU Summer Music Camps is one of the country’s oldest and largest summer camp programs in the nation, and is internationally recognized for its excellence. The camps began in 1942 as the Florida State College for Women Band School, founded by Dean Ella Opperman. Participants have gone on to become professional performers, teachers, and life-long music enthusiasts.
Dr. Steven N. Kelly, the current Director of Camps and Professor of Music Education, states that though the camps have undergone many changes throughout the years, the mission and trajectory of camps remains true.
“Our primary goal,” says Kelly, “is to create a positive musical foundation for students to build upon as they continue to grow and develop as musicians.”
As the 2025 comes to a close, we are eager for the exciting opportunities the 2026 season will bring.
Summer 2026 dates for camps have been announced and registration will open in January. Exciting plans for eccentric performances are underway. For more information about FSU Summer Music Camps, please visit music.fsu.edu.
