July 19 – 24
Drumset Camp
Your unforgettable week-long drumming experience awaits!
Residential Tuition…………..$995
Commuter Tuition…………..$795
- For Students grades 6-12
About
During this week you’ll develop the knowledge and skills that are the building blocks of playing percussion. You’ll also expand your knowledge of how to use these building blocks to become a more creative and expressive drummer. This camp is intended to develop skills and abilities to perform a variety of styles (jazz, Latin, rock, etc.).
Find your inspiration as you work with our Master Teacher and alongside other drummers in overcoming challenges and reaching new milestones in your personal performance. In this encouraging environment you will be exposed to as many styles and genres as possible.
It is important to note that students should sign up for the camp which most closely reflects their current playing skills and abilities.
Three weeks prior to camp, students will be asked to submit a 1-2 minute video which accurately shows their skills. Information will be provided for this in a separate communication from the Arts Center.
On Sunday when campers arrive in Shell Lake, they will meet with the Instructor to complete a playing assessment and determine goals for the week. This is low pressure and intended to provide the instructor with an opportunity to get to know you!
Sample Schedule
Wake-up
7:15 a.m.
Group warm up
Breakfast
8:00 a.m.
Warm-ups & Daily Plan Discussions
9:00 a.m.
Styles, Rudiments, Improvisation
Groove of the Day #1
9:30 a.m.
Learning and workshopping a beat related to the Daily Plan
Improvisation Session 1
10:30 a.m.
Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Review of Groove of the Day #1
1:00 p.m.
Groove of the Day #2
1:30 p.m.
Improvisation Session #2
2:00 p.m.
Topics In Drumming
2:30 p.m.
Drumming As A Career Choice, Staying Current In The Digital Age
Free Time
3:30 p.m.
One On One Scheduled Private Lesson, Swim In The Lake, Ice Cream, Hang Out With Friends
Dinner
5:00 p.m.
Evening Concerts / Camp Activities
7:00 p.m.
Lights-out
10:30 p.m.
Meet the Instructor
About the Program Director
Born and raised in Eau Claire, WI, Michael Allen began teaching private drum lessons in 1976. He received his Bachelor of Music Education in instrumental music from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1981. While at UWEC, he majored in percussion (under the instruction of Ron Keezer), with an emphasis on classical marimba.
In 1983, he enlisted in the United States Army band, and attended the Armed Forces School of Music, where he focused on big band drumming. During his military career, he was initially stationed at Fort Sill, OK, with the 77th Army Band. In 1986, he received an invitation to join the newly-formed Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) International Band (stationed near Mons, Belgium), where he served alongside musicians from several NATO member nations, as well as a core group of U.S. Army musicians. In his five years with the SHAPE International Band, he toured throughout central & Northern Europe, performing in public-relations concerts, as well as troop morale support.
After leaving the Army in 1991, he began a career in computer-aided drafting (CAD), retiring from Skyline Displays in 2020. Early retirement has provided him the opportunity to return to teaching music. In early 2022, he accepted the position of drum instructor at Universal Music Center (UMC), a non-profit music school, located in Red Wing, MN. Instruction at UMC is focused on the students’ individual goals, and grounded in music fundamentals (including basic music theory and ear training).
Throughout his musical career, Michael has performed in a wide variety of musical styles, including big band & small combo jazz, rock, country, funk, latin, musical theater, rudimental and symphonic percussion.
Additional Information
Questions? Feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Accommodations
Lodges are available for the duration of the camp session. They are supervised by a professional counseling staff on duty 24 hours each day and meals are prepared under the supervision of a state-approved dietitian.
Commuter Expectations
Commuter students are expected to remain at camp until the day’s activities are completed (Typically 9:am-8pm).
Registrations
Online registrations are accepted until the camp is full. Students may be placed on a waiting list if desired. A camp registration form is sent after payment is received. All cancellations must be made in writing and received 3 weeks in advance of the start of camp for a full refund. A $100.00 fee will be deducted from your refund. Refunds less than three weeks before camp will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Residential Tuition
Our student tuition is $995 per student and includes instructional fees, room and board and a camp t shirt which will be worn at the final performance. Please refer to the registration materials found on our registration site atUltracamp for complete details. A $100 down payment is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance can be paid at the time of registration or in equal monthly installments. All Tuition must be paid before arrival at camp.
Commuter Tuition
This option is for campers that want to attend our camps but not stay in our dorms, The $795 tuition covers instructional fees, a camp T-Shirt which will be worn at the final performance, meals, and evening activities. Commuters arrive for their first class by 9AM, and can be picked up any time after evening activities conclude (usually around 8pm).
Check-in / Check-out
Check in begins at 2pm on Sunday of the week your camp begins. All medical, dietary, and consent forms must be completed in UltraCamp before arriving at camp. Additional information will be emailed to you approximately 4 weeks before camp begins.
Scholarships
Each year, the Arts Center raises funds for the scholarship program. If you are interested in applying for an Arts Center scholarship, please visit our website
Additional Information
To request disability accommodations, or other special requests, please contact the Arts Center at least two weeks in advance of camp. More information about camp and all of the opportunities available at the Shell Lake Arts Center can be found on our website.
Participants are admitted without regard to race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. The Shell Lake Arts Center is an inclusive organization, and we accept all artists and musicians.