Teen & Alumni Camps

Village Harmony Teen & Alumni Camps -
An overview

The concert is about to end.  Twenty-three teenagers grab at each others’ hands and bow, sweaty and tired, intensely pleased with themselves. They grin broadly as New Englanders of every age rise to their feet in the old wooden church building, applauding, whistling, ululating. A note is sounded above the din and the young singers launch into a South African dance song, stilling the crowd long enough to allow them to make their way down the aisles to take a final ovation from the back of the building. 

As the young people, unleashed, dive into the crowd or escape outside, you remain rooted in your pew a bit longer, shaken to the core by what you’ve just witnessed.  Where did that conviction come from, that powerful centered sound you never expected to hear from an amateur--let alone a teenage--choir?  Look around: other moist eyes and stunned expressions tell you that you aren’t the only one who sensed that something life-changing has just happened among the singers--and has been shared with the audience.

This scenario is played out with up to a dozen groups--teens, adults, mixed ages--each summer. Since 1990 the singers and instrumentalists of Village Harmony summer camps have been traveling and performing throughout an ever-widening swath of the globe, participating in cultural exchanges and delighting audiences with their heart-felt renditions of world folk music. Thirty-four years on, Village Harmony’s recipe has withstood the test of time.

Since 1990 the singers and instrumentalists of Village Harmony Summer Camp have been traveling and performing throughout New England and an ever-widening swath of the globe, participating in cultural exchanges and delighting audiences with their heart-felt renditions of unusual folk music from around the world.

Village Harmony’s teen camps are open to young singers ages 12 to 18, with our alumni camps aimed at older teen singers and young adults up to the age of 26. Auditions aren’t required to attend any Village Harmony camp. If you like singing full force and want a taste of the touring life, ours is the program for you.

Unlike many choirs where the aim is to have a membership whose voices blend seamlessly, Village Harmony is an un-auditioned, inclusive group whose only demands of would-be members is that they be committed to making good music. This has resulted in a choir whose sound remains dynamic, unpredictable, and absolutely exciting year after year. With their easy command of phenomenally varied singing styles and infectiously joyous stage presence, Village Harmony ensembles always knock people’s socks off.

Village Harmony camps begin with a week of rehearsal in residence at a retreat center. Teen and alumni retreat centers this coming year will include sites in Vermont, Massachusetts and Northumberland, UK.

During the rehearsal week, singers get to know one another and their music. Participants learn the basics of new singing styles and prepare a concert program under expert leadership, with emphasis on the cultural context and authentic vocal technique of the genres making up each session’s particular musical tapestry. Rehearsals are long and intense—six or more hours each day—with individual voice coaching, small ensemble and instrumental work between group sessions. Word-sheets and notes are used for some of the music, but nearly everything is taught by ear. We place a lot of emphasis on authenticity—understanding the spirit and vocal style of each musical genre—and on appreciating the joy of singing together and with conviction.

Within this rigorous structure, the groups tend to be relaxed and non-competitive, with a deliberately democratic atmosphere. The framework of each residency is communal, with everyone pitching in to help cook and clean. The menu is primarily vegetarian, and is responsive to the tastes, dietary needs and culinary talents of camp participants. There is always time for frisbee, dancing, volleyball and searching out swimming holes. During the week there is usually an evening cabaret, where campers are encouraged to flaunt their flair for music, stand-up comedy or random talents. 

Our teen traveling camp is always led by a team of music leaders, including native teachers who bring first hand expertise in particular traditions.

Applying to join a session
Auditions aren’t required to attend the teen or alumni programs (or any Village Harmony camp). But we do want to know a few things about you and your singing experience so that our camp staff can get a sense of the dynamics of the session ahead of time. Our experience is that the groups are self-selecting: if the idea of rehearsing seven hours a day and galumphing about the countryside touring makes your heart thump, then we want you.

We accept singers primarily on a first-come, first-served basis with an initial deposit, and as long as your application is complete, you can consider yourself guaranteed a spot. The tuition balance is due in two payments: one on February 1 and the second on May 1.

Financial support
We are committed to making Village Harmony programs accessible by keeping expenses and tuition fees as low as possible, and we offer need-based financial aid to applicants to our teen and alumni programs. Request a financial aid application when you apply online. To apply for a tuition reduction you must first register and pay the initial deposit. Should we not be able to meet your financial needs, you may withdraw with a full refund.