Purdue Fort Wayne Visual and Performing Arts

One month from today Summer String Chamber Music Academy for Grades 9-12 and amateur adults begins! Led by the esteemed Marcy Trentacosti, high school and amateur adult string players gain more exposure to chamber music experiences in this evening program. Students are thoughtfully placed into small ensembles like string quartets, trios, or duos, where they’ll explore a variety of repertoire, learn to listen to others, work as a team, and take responsibility for their performance within a group. The academy culminates in a performance for family, friends and the community.

Monday, July 13– Friday, July 17 5–9 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
$275
For information visit www.pfw.edu/camps or call 260-481-6059

Beginning one month from today is Art Camp for Grades 6-8 - Creating Value in Art! Grab your pencils and charcoal and spend time creating with Franke Park art teacher Rachel Gillespie. Campers will explore how to create value through a variety of shading techniques while working on portraits, still lifes, and landscapes—both realistic and imaginative. Working in the studio and outdoors in nature, students will discover how light, pressure, and different drawing media come together to create striking grayscale works of art.

Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 1–3 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Visual Arts Building Room 209
$125

One month from today, Uke Can Do It! For Grades 4–7 begins! Ukulele is one of the most kid-friendly instruments out there—easy to hold, gentle on small hands, and incredibly fun to learn. In Uke Can Do It!, students are introduced to music in a way that feels playful, encouraging, and successful from day one. It’s an ideal first step for kids who are curious about guitar but benefit from a simpler, confidence-boosting beginning. Throughout the week, campers will learn basic ukulele skills through hands-on playing, group jam sessions, and songs they love. We’ll also explore rhythm, singing, beat games, and even a little “science of sound,” helping students understand how music works—not just how to play notes. By the end of the week, your child won’t just have tried an instrument—they’ll have real musical skills, a sense of accomplishment, and excitement to keep learning.

Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center Room 120
$125

Beginning tomorrow is the Art Camp for Grades 6-8 - Pop Art! Dive into the bold, colorful world of Pop Art! Campers will explore the Pop Art craze of the mid-20th century, learn about iconic Pop artists, and create their own eye-catching works inspired by the movement—all guided by Franke Park art teacher Rachel Gillespie. Along the way, kids will make new friends, experience a real college art building, and spend their time creating, experimenting, and having fun!
Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 9–11 a.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Visual Arts Building Room 209
$125

The PFW College of Visual and Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that Dr. Roger David has accepted the position of Director of Choral Studies in the School of Music. Please join us in giving him a warm Mastodon welcome!

Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. David is a music educator and recent graduate of Michigan State University, where he completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and was a recipient of a University Distinguished Fellowship. During his time at MSU, he served as assistant conductor for The Singing Spartans and Campus Choir and assisted with undergraduate courses in choral conducting and choral pedagogy. His research interests include culturally-informed teaching and rehearsal processes, conductor-teacher leadership styles, and choral music from the Philippines.

Outside of teaching, he enjoys eating Korean barbecue with friends and tending his houseplants!

Two weeks from today Summer Youth Drama for Grades 4-8 begins! Learn theatre essentials and discover the power of teamwork on a real stage! Actor and instructor Gloria Minnich guides students through character development and collaboration, crafting a unique script inspired by the class’s interests. Throughout the journey, aspiring thespians will bond, make new friends, and showcase their talents in a final class performance.

Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Kettler Hall Room G32
$89

Two weeks from today Summer Dramagination for Grades K-3 begins! Let your little star explore the magic of theatre with actor and instructor Gloria Minnich. On a real stage, kids will learn theatre basics, use their creativity to bring stories to life, and even try their hand at directing. The class wraps up with a joyful live performance — a perfect chance to celebrate their newfound skills and friendships!

Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26 9:45 –10:45 a.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Kettler Hall Room G32
$79

Mark your calendars! Two weeks from today Twinklers at Summer String Camp begins! If your child has just begun playing violin within the last 6-12 months, come and join us for our Twinklers class. This class is designed to offer a week of group class instruction for beginning students. The focus will be on bow hold, violin hold, left hand flexibility, and rhythm and movement in a group setting.

Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
$125

Two weeks from today the 31st Annual Summer String Camp begins! Directed by Fort Wayne Philharmonic musician Emelinda Acosta, this camp celebrates its 31st summer of inspiring young string players. Designed for violin, viola, cello, and bass students with at least two years of instruction, the camp features full string orchestra, chamber ensembles, and skill-building group classes. Students are coached by professional Philharmonic musicians—including former camp director Marcy Trentacosti. In just one week, students learn new repertoire while strengthening technique and musicianship in a supportive, motivating environment. The week concludes with a culminating recital showcasing the progress and teamwork students build through playing together.

Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
$325