Stetson Young Singers - Summer Camp

There are four ensembles divided by age that will rehearse together during this week-long camp. Singers will remain with their ensemble throughout the week. 

The first day of camp is always a sorting day, and we're very flexible. We consider experience, age, friends, and enrollment numbers to create smaller ensembles. The main goal is to have great sounding ensembles with singers that love being there!

• Small Voices Morning Camp for singers ages 5-7
• Discovery Choir for singers ages 8-10
• Apprentice Choir for singers ages 11-13
• Young Singers Choir for singers ages 14-18

A typical camp day starts with waking up the body and voice. Campers will work in 30-minute sessions, learning age-appropriate vocal techniques, music reading skills and learning music that they will perform at an end-of-the-week concert. For Young Singers Campers, group work is followed by lunch together and then a game or team challenge. We'll finish with group rehearsals and movement in the afternoons.

Small Voices (ages 5-7):
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Campers should bring a water bottle and a mid-morning snack daily. 
Final concert for Small Voices is on Friday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Young Singers (ages 8-18):
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Campers should bring a water bottle, a snack and lunch daily. 
Final concert for Young Singers is on Friday, July 18 at 4:30 p.m.

We know that some singers start the week without knowing anyone at camp, and we'll do our best to make sure they leave feeling like part of a choir family. It's our hope that our campers will join us for the fall and spring semesters to sing with us year-round; however, we also welcome and value singers who return for the summer camp every year. Every singer is an important part of the ensemble.

Stetson University welcomes singers of school ages 3rd grade and older and all levels of experience and talent to campus for a season of choral singing together! This choir program is designed for young singers ages 8-18 to fine-tune their singing skills and musicianship in an encouraging and fun learning environment. 

We strive to develop professional level ensembles that allow young singers to explore their talent with singing while making life-long memories and incredible music.

First rehearsal of the 2025-2026 season: September 8. 

Pre-register to secure your spot for the fall!

 

Melinda Fradley is the Artistic Director of Stetson University Young Singers and Director of Choral Activities at DeLand Middle School in Florida. Known for her warmth, creativity, and dedication to student growth, she has spent her career inspiring young singers across Volusia County. She previously led the Deland High School Chorus as Artistic Director and began her career teaching music in elementary schools—laying a strong foundation for generations of musicians.  

For ten years, Melinda served as a conductor with the Stetson University Children’s Choir alongside Dr. Ann Small, and in 2019, she was honored to serve as the Jean Faircloth Principal Conductor for the Savannah Children’s Choir. That same year, she taught as a guest professor at the City of Beijing University in China, collaborating with Professor Lingfen Wu. Melinda holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Educational Leadership from Stetson University.

Melinda is a sought-after clinician, adjudicator, and mentor. She serves as Florida ACDA Honors Chair and is an active member of both NAfME and ACDA. She also sings professionally as a section leader with Orlando Sings under Dr. Andrew Minear and as a longtime member and past president of The Festival Singers of Florida, directed by Dr. Kevin Fenton. Melinda has been twice recognized as Teacher of the Year—at McInnis Elementary in 1999 and DeLand High School in 2014. She brings joy, passion, and a sense of community to everything she does, whether conducting a choir, mentoring young educators, or making music with friends.