Each year the Collinsworth School of Music tunes its students for their upcoming concerts during its annual Rehearsal Camp. Days before students move into their homes and Welcome Weekend starts, the School of Music is hard at work equipping each ensemble to sing, play and worship.
From Aug. 28–Sept. 9, members of each ensemble were required to spend several hours in rehearsal, learning and practicing new music.
The School of Music set the tempo for the week by welcoming new students and parents to California Baptist University, Aug. 28.
Choral groups continued rehearsals through Aug. 30, while auditions for groups such as Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, Small Groups and Chamber Singers were open to students Aug. 31. Male Chorale and the Women’s Choir joined ensembles periodically during Rehearsal Camp to create the new Worship Collective.
“Rehearsal Camp is an integral component in the CBU School of Music,” said Dr. Dawn Gilmore, professor and director of Women’s Choir in the School of Music. “Rehearsal Camp enables all of the participants to learn a lot of music in a short amount of time before school actually begins.”
The lengthy preparation for the year ahead also presents students with a chance to grow socially and enjoy time with their peers.
“It is a concentrated time of worship,” said Kellie Brown, support specialist in the School of Music. “It is a time of excitement and new beginnings, everyone is learning what this year is going to be about, and being infused with the music and the spirit that God provides in that atmosphere.”
The time students dedicate to intense rehearsal and worship is time well spent as old and new members get to know each other and familiarize themselves with concert songs.
“Rehearsal Camp is totally worth the work,” said Kaden Specht, sophomore liberal studies major and Male Chorale member. “By the end (of Rehearsal Camp) the choir is so well-bonded and has many concert songs ready. It gives new members a chance to get to know everyone and really feel like a part of the group.”
The length of time practicing is difficult but students appreciate getting a head start on the musical year with rehearsals.
