The Salvation Army's music ministry teaches children of all ages how to read music and play brass instruments, while emphasizing the importance of God's love and learning to use musical talent as part of Christian life. Whether it's playing in a Salvation Army band on Sunday morning, or volunteering to play your trombone outside a Salvation Army kettle at Christmas time, The Salvation Army music ministries combine musical and spiritual excellence.
How does this ministry accomplish its goals? Partly through the institution of summer camps.
Divisional Music Camps
The Salvation Army in the Midwest is divided into 10 divisions. Each division has a regional music camps which targets young people from age nine through their teens. These seven- to ten-day camps provide everything from basic music instruction for beginners to advanced skill building for more experienced singers and players. In addition, students learn theory, vocal, instrumental, drama and related skills. As with local music groups, camps also provide an extended opportunity for spiritual and social growth. Many divisions also offer conservatories, distinguished by small staff-to-student ratios. These intensive week-long experiences offer young musicians individual schedules that include daily private lessons, small ensembles, advanced group seminars and recitals. Conservatories are offered regionally and are geared to more advanced musicians who especially exhibit leadership potential. Contact your
local Salvation Army for more information.
Central Music Institute
Central Music Institute, otherwise known as CMI, is the most advanced of The Salvation Army's summer music camps. It allows students (minimum age 13) to apply what they have learned from regional camps and conservatories in a stimulating environment. It is held at The Salvation Army's Camp Wonderland, near Chicago, Ill., for 10 days in mid-August and provides in-depth study with some of the best musicians in the world. This camp caters to all learning levels, from advanced musicians to those just beginning the journey. The institute is designed to enhance students' musical abilities and help them discover ways to use their talents to further the Kingdom of God. CMI offers the opportunity to have fun, fellowship, grow and learn in an exciting Christian environment. Also included in the curriculum are advanced studies in theory, instrumental, vocal, drama, dance, Bible, media and all related worship arts.For more information about CMI please visit their website at
http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/cmi or contact your
local Salvation Army.