& Now

As we said earlier Rushmore National 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.

Members of the Board of Directors include: Dr. Alan LaFave (President of Valley City State, Valley City, ND), Mrs. Ellen Diischer (Director of Music, St. Philip's Lutheran Church, Hastings, MN), Mrs. Deb Wantoch-Yess (Retired Director of Choral Music, Waseca High School, Waseca, MN), Dr. Randy Kohlenberg (Profressor of Trombone, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC), Mr. Gary Hanson (Rapid City Public Schools - Retired), Ms.Christy Leichtnam (Rapid City Public School), Mrs. Casey Danielson (Iola-Scandinavia Public Schools), Jared Opp (Gregory Public Schools) and Katie Opp (Gregory Public Schools)

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!