Dysart band camps begin next week

The Dysart Unified School District will offer two summer band camps - a beginner level and an advanced camp.

The district's community education department is offering the camps, which both run May 27-June 12.

The beginner camp, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is geared toward children entering grades 5 through 7 who would like to learn to play a band instrument. Students will learn musical terminology, proper posture and playing position, the basics of notes, and appropriate instrument care.

Students who have played for at least one year should attend the advanced camp, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. This camp is also for those who wish to learn to play a different band instrument.

The camps cost $50 each, with a small book fee due to the teacher on the first day. Students can choose to play the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone or mallet percussion (bells). Students must bring their instrument.

To register, call the community education department at 623-876-7056 or go to www.dysart.org/communityed and click on the "online registration" button.