Vashon Percussion’s annual, summer education program.
Week 1: Day Camp – July 18-21, 2023, 10a-2p
Ages 8-12
$80 per day
$270 when you register for all four days!
Day Camp offers younger students workshops, lessons, and group learning. Focus on technique and jazz and orchestral styles.
Week 2: 27th Annual Drum Camp – July 25 – 30, 2023
Ages 13-18
$600
Sleepaway Drum Camp offers 5 nights and 6 days of workshops, lessons and ensemble playing experience for students of percussion. Students tent in the woods in groups and enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals. The week concludes with a demonstration performance for family and friends, sharing the music students developed in the beautiful wooded environment of Vashon Island.
2023 Curriculum
Jazz Combos
Focus on the drum set and vibraphone. Students learn the groove, melody, and forms of standard jazz tunes as they put together combos for performance.
Orchestral Percussion
Work on technique of playing and performing excerpts of orchestra and wind ensemble repertory on timpani, snare and bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine.
Traditional Kete Drumming of Kumasi, Ghana
Study with Yaw Amponsah the traditional rhythms of Kete drumming from Ghana.
Drum Line
Learn basic cadences and marching technique!
Questions? Read FAQs below or contact us!
FAQs – Sleepaway Drum Camp
How much time is spent drumming each day?
Most of it! Students begin warm-up at 9AM after breakfast and often have a final, post-dinner rehearsal that begins around 6:30PM. Students break at least three times daily for lunch, snack, and dinner.
What other activities do campers participate in during the week?
Students participate in first night team building games, are taken off-site for a swim and shower twice during the week, and have nightly campfires. Often, students opt to start their own evening jam sessions and we have to lure them away from the drums with s’mores!
Are students outdoors all week?
Indeed, they are! Much of the drumming takes place outdoors and students eat meals outside too! Students are indoors when using the music studio or little cabin for classes and lessons, but the house is off-limits. In the event of rain, we gather under a canopy and classes are all moved into the studio and cabin. Make sure that you pack a rain fly for your tent!
How do I contact my student while they are at camp?
We strongly request that students leave their phones at home, or at least turn them off during camp – remember that they cannot hold a charge all week. This is a true camping experience, and we hope that students can spend a week disconnected and engaged in their natural environment. If a student needs to contact home, they may speak to a staff member and come into the house to use our phone.
Will my student be camping alone?
No. Students share tents with other campers. Tenting assignments are announced upon arrival at camp.
Should my student bring a tent?
Not all campers must bring a tent. Vashon Percussion will contact students if they are selected to bring a tent to share, based on availability indicated during registration. If your student has any tenting needs, please indicate them during registration.
What should my student bring to camp?
Prior to camp, you will be contacted with full information on what to pack, how to get to camp, and what to expect.
FAQs – Day Camp
Should my student bring lunch?
Yes! Meals are not provided at the Day Camp. Students should also bring a water bottle, which they can refill onsite.
Is there a performance at the end of camp?
No.
What should my student bring to camp?
Prior to camp, you will be contacted with full information on what to pack, how to get to camp, and what to expect.
Vashon Percussion 