As we said earlier Rushmore Music Camp was established in 1970 by Paul and Lois Hedge. The camp is currently under the leadership of Jared and Katie Opp, Instrumental and Vocal Educators in Gregory, SD.Â
Members of the Board of Directors include: Dr. Alan LaFave (President of Valley City State, Valley City, ND), Mrs. Deb Wantoch-Yess (Retired Director of Choral Music, Waseca High School, Waseca, MN), Ms.Christy Leichtnam (Rapid City Public Schools-Retired), Ms. Casey Danielson (Iola-Scandinavia Public Schools), Dr. Darci Baltema (Northern State University), Jared Opp (Gregory Public Schools) and Katie Opp (Gregory Public Schools)Â
and executive board member Caleb Finck (Tripp, SD).
Well-known guest conductors and nationally recognized faculty members provide opportunities for music learning and performance of the highest caliber. Guest conductors including James Curnow, Kenneth Bloomquist, John Paynter, Alfred Reed, Eugene Corporan, Jerry Junkin, Dale Lonis, Alan LaFave, James McKinney, Wendy McCallum and others have led the concerts performed at the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheatre.
Campers are provided opportunities to study with professionals on their instrument and voice. The current junior high and senior high faculty are pictured below.
Opportunities for enrichment in music education include music theory, music history, jazz improvisation, vocal techniques, rhythmic fitness, rock painting, ukuleles and so much more. Many recreational activities are also included in the daily camp schedule.
Here at Rushmore Music Camp we are all about...
Making Music . . . Making Friends!
Our staff is made up of people from all over the United States with a wonderfully array of knowledge and experience!
JH Saxophone
SH Voice/Musical Theatre
JH Guest Conductor
JH/SH Horn/Board Member/Web Master
Head Counselor/Executive Board Member
JH Clarinet
Camp Physician
SH Camp Nurse
Publicity/Board Member/SH Guest Conductor
Administrative Assistant/Board Member
JH Low Brass/Jazz Band
Camp Registrar
JH/SH Woodwinds/Board Member
SH Clarinet
SH Low Brass
JH/SH Woodwinds
Co-Camp Director/Board Member
Co-Camp Director/Board Member
JH Cadet Band/JH Low Brass
JH Percussion
JH Flute
JH/SH Trumpet
JH Voice
JH/SH Voice/Musical Theatre
Rushmore Singers/Accompanist/Board Member
JH Choir Director
SH Oboe/Bassoon