Andrews Hosts Inaugural Summer Music Camp

For the Adventist Youth Music Association

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Andrews University hosted the inaugural summer music camp for the Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) in July, bringing 17 high school musicians together for a week of musical development, community and worship.

AYMA is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges created to provide young musicians with opportunities to develop their abilities. Member institutions include Andrews University, Pacific Union College, Southern Adventist University, Southwestern Adventist University, Walla Walla University and Washington Adventist University.

The organization was created to address a gap in opportunities available to Adventist high school musicians. Traditional programs such as All-State and Solo & Ensemble music events often conflict with the Sabbath, making them difficult for Adventist students to participate in.

“Students were missing out on some major opportunities that could help them develop,” says Max Keller, chair of Andrews University’s Department of Music. “This is for people who are already excited about music and want to meet other people who are also excited and serious about music.”

Before starting the in-person camp, AYMA’s primary offering was online solo adjudication. To participate, students submit performance videos that are evaluated by music faculty from Adventist institutions and receive feedback to help strengthen their musical skills. Those who receive high ratings are now invited to participate in the summer learning experience.

The July camp provided students with a variety of musical and educational experiences, including private lessons, chamber music opportunities, master classes, rehearsals, and sessions on composition, worship, music business, performance and musician health. Students also participated in recreational activities, including a trip to Silver Beach, and attended worship at Pioneer Memorial Church.

The experience was designed to develop students beyond their musical abilities, emphasizing their multi-faceted growth. “We’re trying to have something that is holistic,” Keller shares. “It’s not just one thing. It is the mind. It is the body. It is the spirit.”

Byron Graves, associate professor of music, worked with woodwind students, coached chamber ensembles and presented a session on preparing for college as a music major. He reflects that the students were deeply engaged, noting, “A lot of progress was made over the course of the week, and their performances reflected that improvement.”

Beyond developing musical skills, the camp also helped build interpersonal skills. Carla Trynchuk, professor of music, taught violin and viola lessons and coached chamber music. “It was a pleasure to watch students grow with their instrument and their musicianship over the week that we worked together,” she says. “Experiences like AYMA are so helpful in a young musician’s journey to becoming a fine musician. Being with other young people who are passionate about music is inspiring.”

Nathalia Phu, a sophomore music education student who served as a girls counselor during the camp, recalls that the final concert was one of the most meaningful moments of the week: “It was so exciting to see them perform what they had been working on in the week, and it was so fun to see them nervous and excited about it too.” She was proud to see them display their hard work, affirming, “I can't wait to help with the camp again next summer to grow as a future music educator.”

Looking ahead, AYMA hopes to expand its summer experience to include larger ensembles and increase participation from Adventist organizations, schools and churches. Keller and other organizers see potential for the association to expand regionally and internationally.

Keller also hopes the program will encourage Andrews and other Adventist institutions to recognize and empower young musicians, reflecting AYMA’s broader goal of strengthening music education. “I hope that the Andrews community will see the talented youth that are out there in our Adventist community,” he shares. “And I hope that it would be an inspiration for our community to support music more.”