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SDSMI FAQ

What are the important dates for SDSMI?
Date
Event
01/15/2024
Student Application Opens
03/01/2024
RAMP Attendee Application Opens
03/15/2024
Student Scholarship Drive Begins
04/30/2024
Student Scholarship Drive Ends
05/01/2024
Scholarship Application Deadline
05/15/2024
Student Application Deadline
06/01/2024
Payment Deadline
06/16/2024
First Day of Camp
06/22/2024
Last Day of Camp
07/06/2024
Refunds Issued

How Do I Make a Payment?

You can pay online now by visiting our application and payment page or 

you can pay via check. Please make checks out to "San Diego Winds" and mail to:


San Diego Winds

4721 68th Street

La Mesa, CA 91942

 

What is the SDSMI?

SDSMI is a one week summer music camp held at Point Loma Nazarene University. The camp includes instruction by the elite teachers and performers of string, wind, and percussion instruments in San Diego County. Camp sessions include full ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses with professional musicians on your instrument, breakout sessions where you choose between music theory, composition, conducting and more, as well as guest performances, social activities and chamber rehearsals. All in all SDSMI is among the most comprehensive, high quality and affordable music camp in country.

When is SDSMI?

For 2024, the SDSMI runs from Sunday June 16th to Saturday June 22nd.

Do you have to audition to qualify for SDSMI?

All students are accepted into SDSMI, however there is an audition to determine chair and ensemble placement. For 2024 auditions will be submitted electronically before camp begins. You will receive a participant packet with information about auditions upon submitting your application. 

What about auditions?

 

First of all it is important to understand auditions are for group and chair placement ONLY, no one will be excluded from camp based on their audition. The audition simply allows us to ensure that you are getting instruction that is tailored to your ability level so that you don't feel bored or lost. 

 

After you have registered you will receive an email with instructions and details about the audition.

What are the age restrictions on SDSMI students? 

SDSMI is intended for students who are in grades 6-12. We do allow recently graduated high school seniors as well as students who recently completed 5th grade and will be entering 6th grade in the fall.

What is the difference between resident and commuter?

Residents stay overnight in the dorms beginning Sunday night and check out Saturday morning. All meals are provided for resident students. Commuter students arrive to campus on their own each day by 8:45a.m. and leave each day between 5p.m. and 9p.m. Commuter students are provided lunch and dinner each day.

How much does the camp cost?

Resident tuition is $1100 and Commuter tuition is $800 per week.

 

Comparable camps cost between $1500 and $2500. SDSMI is able to keep its tuition so low because it is sponsored jointly by the PLNU School of Music and the San Diego Winds, a non-profit music education association. The staff, board of directors and volunteers of these institutions donate their time and solicit donations to keep the price for the student as low as possible. Our goal is to provide an amazing musical experience to as many students as possible, not to make a profit.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Each year San Diego Winds awards tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships. If you have a passion for music, we want to work with you to find a way to make sure you attend SDSMI. San Diego Unified Students may qualify for a full tuition scholarship if SDSMI is awarded a level up grant from the San Diego Foundation. More information about this will be coming soon. 

How are scholarships awarded?

Scholarships are awarded on three criteria: merit based scholarships, need based scholarships and high demand instrument scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to students who have been recognized for their musical excellence by trusted institutions such as honor bands, youth symphonies, national awards, etc. These scholarships are reserved to the most accomplished students with documentation of their accomplishments and recommendations by known musicians. Need based scholarships are awarded to students who have a measurable financial need as evidenced by tax returns, enrollment in school lunch programs, etc. Verification may be required for these scholarships. High Demand Instrument Scholarships are awarded based on the number of applicants on each instrument. Where a need exists for a particular instrument scholarships are awarded to ensure correct instrumentation for the ensembles resulting in a higher quality musical experience for all students.

When are scholarship decisions made?

The 2024 scholarship application deadline is May 1st. Scholarship decisions will be emailed out within a few days of the deadline.

 

What does the daily schedule look like?

A detailed itinerary is provided as part of the "Participant Packet" which you will receive upon completing your application. 

If you would like to view a sample schedule from a previous year click here

 

What if I am owed a refund?

Refunds will be within 2 weeks of the end of the camp.

What will students be doing all day?

Included in the participant packet is an itinerary which provides information about student activities each day. Additionally SDSMI staff will email out a detailed itinerary each morning to all SDSMI participants and parents. That daily itinerary will also be posted in the music building each day. 

Where do commuter students get picked up?

Commuter students can be picked up at the end of each day at the music building. SDSMI staff will be present at all times with commuter students as they wait. Please try to pick up students on time. 

Can students be picked up early?

We understand that it is sometimes necessary for students to leave early. Students can leave early so long as they notify SDSMI staff beforehand and checkout before leaving. In order to keep all students safe it is important you check out with SDSMI staff. 

Are parents able to watch any portions of the camp?

Parents are encouraged to attend the camp meeting on Sunday as well as the evening concerts throughout the week and the end of camp concert on Saturday afternoon. Parents are also welcome to attend afternoon and evening breakout sessions as seating allows. Due to limited space we can not accommodate parents or other visitors at masterclass, sectionals or ensemble rehearsals. If you have specific questions about a particular event or session email info@sdwinds.org. COVID restrictions may limit capacity. 

What steps are taken to keep students safe?

At SDSMI we are committed to giving students an amazing experience which means keeping them safe. We have a highly qualified staff of counselors, instructors and volunteers which are managed by Eric Weirather and James Sepulvado. SDSMI faculty includes several credentialed teachers, college professors, music educators as well as specially selected undergraduate and graduate students from PLNU. Students are under constant supervision by our 50+ staff members. Additionally the campus of PLNU is monitored by local law enforcement.

When will I be notified about my scholarship award?

The initial round of scholarship awards will be sent out by May 20th. Any applications received after that time will be awarded as resources allow. 

Are applications accepted after the June 1st application deadline?

Generally speaking yes. Applications are accepted past the application deadline as room allows. If particular instruments are overfilled we will close applications for those instruments. ​

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

The best and quickest way to get your questions answered is to: Email info@sdwinds.org 

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