Frequently Asked Questions
Do I select classes for my child to attend?
No, your child chooses the primary instrument and we select the feature classes. We place every student in ensembles and enrichment classes appropriate to their age, instrument, and playing level in order to enhance their musical learning. Each feature class develops the student in multiple ways—ear training, muscle memory, rhythm, technique, etc. Students have the opportunity to give preferences for their two elective classes. Registered students will be asked for their top 4 elective choices. Our goal is to place every student in two different elective classes based on their preferences.
What should students wear?
Suggested dress is comfortable, layered clothing with sneakers. Please no strappy tops or short skirts; the building is cool. Sneakers or sandals are preferred as we move around the building a lot throughout the day.
What is the dress code for Recitals and Concerts?
Please come Friday dressed in your camp t-shirt and pants or skirt.
Are instruments provided?
Pianos/keyboards are provided. For all strings, parents need to make arrangements. We are also looking for a few volunteers to lend us a digital piano for the week in exchange for a tuition scholarship. For more information check the Rates page or contact hoisummermusicclinic@gmail.com.
Is music provided in advance?
Yes, music will be emailed about a month in advance of Clinic after receiving tuition payment. Please expect assigned music to be easier technically than your student's solo repertoire. Our goal is to focus on ensemble playing and bringing students together musically. By giving out music ahead of time, we want each student to come prepared to play with others.
Do we pack our student a snack?
No, not unless you have special dietary needs. We will provide a daily snack and water. But, we may not be able to accommodate special dietary requirements. Please contact us if you have any concerns. The Heart of Illinois Summer Music Clinic is a nut-free zone. For the safety of our students, we ask you to not pack them anything containing nuts.
When is the pickup time after the clinic?
Parents are asked to pick up their children promptly at 12:00 pm daily from the Sanctuary (north entrance). On Friday, we especially invite parents to come early for our 11:00am recital. All students will be with a teacher until a parent arrives. We are not permitted to allow children to wait alone outside the building. Please plan to schedule pickups accordingly.
What does the Music Clinic day look like?
Teachers and class assistants will be with the students throughout the clinic until you pick them up at 12:00 pm. Students will move together each period to a different class location in an orderly fashion accompanied by a class monitor. The transition time is built into the schedule and there will also be parent volunteers as hallway helpers to facilitate smooth and safe movement between classes for both students and their instruments.
Do parents attend or participate in the clinic?
1. Parents are welcome to observe their children’s classes or rehearsals, but are not required to stay.
2. Parents and families are encouraged to participate in the Hymn Devotion from 9:00 am-9:15 am. This is a high point of each day of the Clinic. Enjoy the opportunity to experience musical excellence with your children and learn about and sing hymns. Support your children and the other students on Friday at 11:00 am for our Final Recital.
3. We have Parent Volunteer opportunities! We appreciate our great Parent Volunteers! The HOI Summer Music Clinic teachers do a wonderful job for your children, and parents can help them be even more successful by volunteering in a number of ways. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer, hoisummermusicclinic@gmail.com.
What is your COVID-19 policy?
HOISMC wants to respect every family’s decision on mask wearing. Parents may choose to send their child with or without a mask, but masks are not required to attend the clinic. We will have hand sanitizer available and opportunities for hand washing. We ask that you use discretion and not send your child to the clinic if they are exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms or have had close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.
Please contact us if you have any other questions. Thank you!
Jane Hoffmire, Laura Otto, and Diane Wuthrich, Clinic Directors
Melissa Beutel, Director of Piano Studies