BARNESVILLE – The hills – and classrooms, hallways, dorms and lawns – around Olney Friends School are
alive with the sound of music now that the annual session of Friends Music Camp is under way.
Each summer since 1980, Friends Music Camp has convened on the campus of Olney Friends School,
providing students ages 10-18 with opportunities for musical growth and personal development. The
camp also enriches the Barnesville community with a series of free concerts that are free and open to
the public.
“We are thrilled to work with the staff and students of Friends Music Camp each summer while our own
students are away on break,” said Olney Advancement Director Jennifer Compston-Strough. “Programs
like this one allow Olney to fulfill its mission of challenging student to grow, celebrating intellectual
vigor, provoking questions of conscience and nurturing skills for living in community year-round.”
Friends Music Camp is being held from July 5 through August 2 this year. Some campers attend for just
two weeks, while more advanced students remain for the entire session. Participants this year represent
16 states and Costa Rica, and they are taking lessons on at least 17 different instruments. A total of 57
young people are taking part.
Both the camp and Olney Friends School are rooted in the traditions and values of the Religious Society
of Friends (Quakers), but enrollment is open to all young people regardless of race or religion. The same
is true of Olney, where diversity of the student body enhances the educational experience.
Campers need at least one year of lessons on their chosen instrument, or one year of experience in a
school orchestra, band or choir program. Camp staffers encourage musical growth in a non-competitive
environment. Campers find new inspiration and motivation while at FMC – and improve more than they
thought possible in four weeks.
The camp offers lessons in piano, voice, guitar and all band and orchestra instruments. Classes at FMC
allow campers to broaden their musical knowledge in subjects of personal interest, including topics such
as acting, music theory, American music and improvisation. Campers who are not yet able to read music
fluently are placed in a musicianship skills class, which helps to improve their note reading, rhythm and
other important musical skills.
Participation in ensembles is an important part of each camper’s growth as a musician. All campers sing
in the camp chorus, and campers who play a band or orchestra instrument participate in band or
orchestra. Students interested in jazz have the opportunity to sign up for jazz ensemble.
For more information about FMC, visit sites.google.com/site/friendsmusiccamp. For more information
about Olney Friends School or to schedule a campus visit, call 740-425-3655.
