Northern Illinois University
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Office of External Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring for classes and rehearsals? Bring a pair of drum sticks, a drum pad, a pair of yarn or cord keyboard mallets, a notebook and a pencil. No need to bring bell kits or drums.

Do I need to read music? No, but it would make camp easier and more enjoyable for you. We will have student volunteers available for anyone who may need help.

What if I don't know how to play some of these instruments? Great! This is exactly why we are happy to host this camp. This will be a safe, fun and engaging environment to expand your knowledge of the wonderful world of percussion regardless of your level of experience.

What if I have special needs? Through the Community School of the Arts and our outstanding faculty and volunteers, we are happy to help with any special needs you have. Please note any physical considerations, food allergies and/or learning strategies that would be worth sharing on your registration form.

What kind of clothes should I wear? Classes can get quite active, so comfortable and classroom-appropriate attire is great. Shorts and modest shirts are welcome. Athletic shoes are suggested, but sandals are fine.

Registration

Early bird registration fee: $700 (postmarked June 1 or earlier)
Registration fee: $750
Registration deadline: June 28, 2023

Online Registration

Returning camper and family discount: $25 (for campers who have previously attended Percussion Camp, and the children and grandchildren of NIU students, staff and faculty members)

You can register online or by mail. You'll pay a $100 deposit when you register (unless applying for a summer camp scholarship). The remaining balance is due on June 15.

Need-based scholarship assistance is available.

All campers must bring a deposit to the first day of camp to be given a key to their room. These funds will not be deposited but will be held by the Summer in the Arts office in the case of a lost key. The funds will be deposited only in the case that a key is lost. Key deposits are returned to campers when they return their room keys at camp check out.

• The deposit can be check, money order, or cash.
• Please put the deposit in an envelope with the camper's name
• Deposit Amount: $10

Staff

Our Percussion Camp staff is composed of talented NIU faculty, students and alumni. The ratio of campers to staff members is about 12:1. Staff members are assigned to each residence hall floor and accompany campers to all meals and activities.

• Yuko Asada - steel bands
• Gregory Beyer - timpani, samba, concert percussion
• Raelyn Cable - women's dean
• Bernard Long Jr. - drumset
• Daniel Jack - snare drum, men's dean
• Steve Lundin - middle school percussion ensemble
• Matthew Schneider - keyboard percussion, gamelan
• Ben Wahlund - camp director, high school percussion ensemble

Schedule

A general overview of the camp schedule is below.