March 23, 2022 – Millikin University’s College of Fine Arts has launched the Millikin Community Arts Academy (MCAA), an outgrowth of the Preparatory Program in the School of Music, to expand programming for children and adults in the Decatur (Ill.) area and surrounding communities with dance, visual arts, technology, theatre and additional music opportunities.
The mission of the Millikin Community Arts Academy is to foster an appreciation of and participation in the Arts while instilling a lifelong love and enjoyment of the Arts. Inherent to this mission is providing learning and performance opportunities for students of all ages in music, theatre, dance and art, enhancing students’ knowledge and performance expertise, and cultivating a companionable link between Millikin University and the community.
The Millikin Community Arts Academy is currently overseen by new Director Marie Jagger-Taylor and Assistant Director Braun Sheets.
“We are very excited to share more opportunities for arts education with the community, especially for students who may not have arts programming in their schools, or who would like to explore other artforms beyond music,” Jagger-Taylor said.
Among the programming the Millikin Community Arts Academy offers are quality music lessons taught by highly trained faculty and upper-level Millikin students in their areas of expertise.
The Academy’s opportunities have expanded to include not only music lessons but programs such as the Millikin Children’s Choir, First Gig, Rock University, Millikin University Community Cello Choir, Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra, Music & Movement, Group Guitar and Ukulele classes, and Summer Camps.
As summer approaches, the Millikin Community Arts Academy is gearing up for a busy season offering the following summer camps:
Millikin Children’s Choir: Summer Sings!
June 6 – 10, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Who: Students entering grades K-6th
Register by: June 1, 2022
Fee: $90
Preschool Sings!
June 6 – 10, 9 – 11:45 a.m.
Who: Children ages 3-5
Register by: June 1, 2022
Fee: $90
Concert Band Camp
July 6 – 10, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Who: High School Students
Register by: July 3, 2022
Fee: $90
Will’s Desktop Music Camp
June 6 – 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
Who: Ages 8 – 14
Register by: June 1, 2022
Fee: $100
DIY Audio Recording Workshops
Thursdays: June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7 and 14, 7 – 9 p.m.
Who: Ages 14 – Adult
Register by: June 6, or day prior to camp
Fee: $72.00 for camp or $20 drop-in fee
Piano Camp! Residential and Commuter
June 12 – 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Who: Students age 12 to Adult, intermediate to advanced
Register by: May 27 (resident)/June 3 (Commuter)
Fee: $550 (Resident)/$325 (Commuter)
Creative Writing Camp – Residential and Commuter
June 12 – 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Who: Students age 12 to Adult, intermediate to advanced
Register by: May 27 (resident)/June 3 (Commuter)
Fee: $550 (Resident)/$325 (Commuter)
Active Arts Adventure!
June 27 – July 1, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Who: Two Camps available for students entering preschool-grade 6
Register by: July 21, 2022
Fee: $90
Orff the Record!
June 27 – July 1, 1 – 4 p.m.
Who: Students entering K-6
Register by: July 21, 2022
Fee: $90
Summer Jazz Workshop
July 11 – 15, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Who: High School Students
Register by: July 3, 2022
Fee: $100.00
Rap U!
July 11 – 15, 1 – 5 p.m.
Who: Students entering grades 5-12
Register by: July 3, 2022
Fee: $100
First Gig Rock n Roll Camp!
July 18 – 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Who: Students entering grades 5-12
Register by: July 10, 2022
Fee: $250.00
Millitrax Playhouse: Music Industry Studies Summer Camp for Rising Seniors
July 24 – 30, Residential/commuter Camp, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Who: Rising Seniors
Register by: July 15 (Resident)/July 20 (Commuter)
Fee: $550 (Resident)/$325 (Commuter)