WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., June 17, 2021 — West Liberty University and Oglebay Institute collaborated this summer to present a new day camp called the Ohio Valley Electronic Music Workshop. The camp drew nine students enrolled in grades 8 through 11 during this inaugural year.
The workshop met from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, for two weeks, June 7 – 18 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Rd, Wheeling.
Led by Dr. Matthew Harder, professor of music, the camp is designed to give young people a chance to explore electronic music, musical instruments, and sound in a hands-on way.
“This workshop is a great opportunity for middle and high school students to explore electronic music and musical instruments,” said Harder, who teaches students in the Bachelor of Music in Music Technology degree program at WLU.
Harder coordinated the first-time camp with Rick Morgan, director of the Stifel Center.
“Campers are learning to design sounds, build beats, collaborate, perform, and create music in a very unique way,” he explained.
The youngsters also learn about forms of musical expression using various types of electronic musical instruments along with production, improvisation, recording and other technical and musical skills.
All instruments and equipment was provided by West Liberty University and students also were allowed to bring their own instruments to the two-week camp.
At 2 p.m., Friday, June 18, during the final day of the camp, the resulting ensemble of campers will perform a concert for parents and friends in the formal front room of the Stifel Center.
Dr. Harder hopes to continue the camp each summer into the future.
WLU has a strong Division of Music and offers undergraduate degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Technology. To contact Harder, please email mharder@westliberty.edu.
Since 1930, Oglebay Institute has served the Wheeling area and engaged people of all ages and abilities in the arts. It has many camps open to the public throughout the summer for all ages, please visit oionline.com for details.