SPARK! is a free online composition course geared toward brand new through advanced young composers in grades 3-12.

The Summer 2026 Session will take place from June 29 - August 3, 2026.

Throughout each session, participants will meet via Zoom for private lessons with Kristin Vining to develop an individual project. Participants will also meet in groups once each month to explore improvisational and compositional techniques together. By the end of the course, the participants will have an original musical composition ready to share at an online music showcase. 

The Course will consist of the following elements, all conducted online:

• ONLINE ORIENTATION (June 29, 4:00 pm PT)
  An introductory meeting with all participants to go over the different elements of the course, and give composers a head start on brainstorming their composition.
• PRIVATE LESSONS (flexible scheduling)
  Study music composition with Kristin Vining. In your lessons Kristin provides individual attention to help you start, develop, and complete your project. Schedule lessons at your convenience using an online Calendly sign-up form.
• GROUP CLASS & COMPOSERS WORKSHOP (July 6 and July 20, 4:00pm PT)
  Both events are encouraged but optional for all participants. Meet other young composers, build your composer toolbox, study music theory & explore composition techniques, and workshop your compositions-in-progress.
• ONLINE SHOWCASE (August 3, 5:00 pm PT, 4:30 call time)
  Share your new work! Friends and family are invited to join. Present a PDF and computer-generated sound file of your new composition. Hear an excerpt of your piece performed live by a WWS musician! This event is recorded and the recording is shared with all participants. 

You will receive an email confirmation once you complete registration, containing links to the Orientation, Group Classes, and Private Lesson Sign-Up Calendar. Please email emily@wwsymphony.org if you don't receive this confirmation after completing your registration!

The Walla Walla Music Organization and Walla Walla Symphony are pleased to present this free, one-week music camp designed to give participants the experience of preparing for and producing a Rock ’n’ Roll concert.

CONCEPT: Rock Camp is a one-week intensive music experience designed to provide interaction between young musicians and professional musicians in a real-life production setting. Campers will spend a portion of the day learning about different elements of producing a concert, such as tech and audio engineering, stage management, band identity, promotions, marketing, and concert hospitality. For the second part of each day, campers will create bands, choose songs, practice and rehearse, and prepare for a Friday Concert. Campers also have the option to join the backstage team or front of house team instead of or in addition to forming a band. 

The experience culminates with a free live concert performance for friends, family, and the community. Walla Walla’s future Rock ‘n ’Rollers will get a glimpse into the world of the professional rock music scene, and a chance to rock out with their friends!

CAMPERS: Rock Camp is open to students entering grades 7-12 in the 2026-2027 school year. All are welcome, no experience is necessary, and repeat campers are encouraged and welcomed!

DATES AND TIMES: July 13 to 17 (Monday-Friday), 8:45am-2pm, with a free concert (open to the public) Friday evening July 17 at 5:30pm.

*PLEASE NOTE* the change in dates - previously this camp was advertised as happening a week earlier, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to change the dates. Please be sure you've noted note the updated dates of July 13 to 17!

LOCATION: Rock Camp will be hosted by Walla Walla Community College, 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla.

COST AND COMMITMENT: Rock Camp is FREE, but limited to the first 50 campers. Because each band member becomes an integral part of their band, please be certain that campers can commit to the sessions AND the final performance. Please register by June 12 - registrations may be taken after June 12 if space allows, but campers registering late will not be guaranteed a t-shirt in their size.

ROCK CAMP TRACKS: 

• Performers: Choose the primary instrumental or vocal focus that you will contribute to your band for the week. You will be grouped with peers with similar experience levels to explore your instrument in a group setting. Each camper will be asked to focus on only one instrument for the duration of camp, but may have the opportunity to explore a second instrument if time allows.
• Backstage/Tech team: Learn how to help backstage with elements like live sound engineering, recording, editing, microphone placement, stage management, and other backstage necessities that create a well-balanced on-stage sound and a smooth run of show. Participate in the backstage operations during Friday's concerts. Campers can choose to do this instead of or in addition to performing in a band.
• Front of House and Promotions Team: Learn about forming band identity via Band T-Shirt design, logos, photography and video,  merchandise, concert posters, programs, and other promotional materials, Help during the concert with front of house tasks such as selling merchandise, welcoming audience members to the concert, and enhancing the audience experience. Campers can choose to do this instead of or in addition to performing in a band.

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE: (Subject to change)

Monday-Friday:

• 8:45-8:55 - Check-in
• 9:00-9:30 - Assembly and Announcements
• 9:30-10:00 - Session 1
• 10:00-11:00 - Session 2
• 11:00 - 12:00 - Session 3
• 12:00-12:30 - Lunch
• 12:30 - 1:45 - Band Practice
• 1:50-2:00 Announcements
• 2:00 - Dismissal

Friday Concert Schedule:

• 4:00pm - 5:30pm - Concert Setup at  WWCC Performing Arts Center
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm - Concert
• 6:30-8:00 - Break-down/Clean Up, if you can stay to help!

QUESTIONS: For general questions, please contact the Walla Walla Symphony office at:

• rockcamp@wwsymphony.org
• (509) 529-8020.
• Mailing address:
  Rock Camp, c/o Walla Walla Symphony,
  PO Box 92
  Walla Walla WA 99362.

Walla Walla Symphony Youth Orchestra is excited to announce the 2026 "Jump Start" Summer Camp for players of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments!

This camp will take place July 27 -31 and will be open to incoming 6th-12th graders with at least one year of experience playing their instrument in orchestra, band, or private lessons.

Three ensembles will rehearse daily for a Friday Showcase/concert; family and friends are invited to attend the Showcase in the Pioneer Middle School Commons.

Special thanks to Walla Walla Public Schools for use of their facilities! 

CONCEPT: "Jump Start" your orchestral experience for the upcoming school year! This camp is designed for students who are ready to dive deep into playing to prepare for the upcoming school year. Campers will be placed into either the String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Orchestra, depending on their level of experience. Each ensemble will meet daily to rehearse repertoire designed to reinvigorate and review what students are learning in their school ensembles.

Campers also work in sectionals to study techniques specific to their instruments, and explore other musical topics such as rhythm reading, music theory, ear training, and composition. At the end of the week, campers will showcase what they have prepared together in an informal concert for friends and family.

CAMPERS: This camp is open to all students entering grades 6-12 with a love for music. At least one year of orchestra, band, or private instrument instruction is required to participate.

LOCATION: Jump Start Camp 2026 will be held at Pioneer Middle School, 450 Bridge St. Walla Walla.

DATES/TIMES: July 27 - 31 (Monday-Friday)
1:00pm to 4:00pm daily

COST AND COMMITMENT:
Jump Start is FREE, but limited to the first 60 campers. Because each camper is an important part of their ensemble, please be certain that campers can commit to the full week of Orchestra Camp INCLUDING the Friday Showcase.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Please complete your registration by June 1, so that we have time to plan and prepare the repertoire for each ensemble. Anyone attempting to register after June 1 may be considered for enrollment in the camp, but is not guaranteed a spot!

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE:

Monday-Thursday schedule:

• 1:00-1:50 - First Period
• 2:00-2:50 - Second Period
• 3:00-3:50 - Third Period
• The three periods consist of Rehearsal, Sectionals, and Music Topics Class. The order in which each camper attends these three elements depends on the ensemble in which they are placed.
• Breaks between classes create casual opportunities for campers to socialize, grab a snack or bathroom break, and get to their next class.

Friday Schedule:

• 1:00-2:30 - Dress Rehearsal, all ensembles
• 2:30-3:00 - Doors open to audience members
• 3:00-4:00 - Concert; friends and family welcome! Held in Pioneer Middle School Commons
• 4:00 - Clean Up and Dismissal

QUESTIONS: For general questions, please contact the Walla Walla Symphony office at (509) 529-8020, or email emily@wwsymphony.org.
Mailing address: Walla Walla Symphony, PO Box 92, Walla Walla WA 99362.