Our Purpose

For all these years the purpose statement has remained the same: To provide a stimulating musical experience in conjunction with an opportunity for Christian growth and relationships in a beautiful recreational setting. The camp enjoys a position under the umbrella of Christian ministry provided by the Chapel Hill Bible Church, a non-denominational, evangelical church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Offerings

There are two camps:  

Senior Camp for Rising 6th - High School Graduate  and

Junior Camp for Rising 2nd - 7th graders

Each day in both camps includes orchestra, small ensembles, chorus, music theory, physics of music, and small group Bible study.  Art and tennis instruction are offered as electives. Soccer, ping pong, rope swings and other games are available during free time. 

2012 Dates

Sr. Camp June 11-15

Jr. Camp June 18 & 19

Playing levels

Senior Camp

Intermediate to advanced level string students (violin, viola, cello,

bass) with previous orchestral or ensemble experience are eligible.

Minimum level of ability: a) for violins, Vivaldi’s a minor concerto (middle of Suzuki Vol. 4) or equivalent level;

for violas & cellos, middle of Suzuki Vol. 3 or equivalent level pieces. Advanced piano students accepted on limited basis.

Junior Camp

Students with a minimum playing level Bach “Minuet 1” (violin, viola, Suzuki, v. 1) and Rigadoon (cello, Suzuki, v.1) are eligible. The ability to read music is required. Separate Junior and Intermediate level orchestras are offered. Pianists accepted on a limited basis.

Special 2012 Offerings

Senior Camp has an advanced chamber orchestra and a vocal ensemble elective. Junior Camp has folk dancing.

Performances

Each year there are really two final "performances." One is an evening recital at which the major orchestral and choral selections are presented to family and friends and at which the ensembles perform for each other (usually one movement from a multi-movement piece in the chamber music repertoire). The other final presentation is the orchestra's leadership for Sunday morning services, or a Sunday afternoon service, at the Chapel Hill Bible Church (accompanying songs and hymns and joining with choir or soloists in some special musical offering for the service). For Raspberry Ridge Junior, the last day of camp generally ends with an wonderful outdoor recital for family and friends.

Our Staff

Over the years, our Raspberry Ridge staff has grown. The overall number of musicians has increased such that in the summer of 2000 we had to move the orchestra and chorus into a 40' x 30' tent. Many things have changed, but the beat goes on. Much of our success is due to the numerous "graduates" who return and contribute as helpers,counselors and even faculty members. We are richly blessed.