GCC Summer Camp graphic

Summer Camp

2026

Build Skills. Make Music.

Take the Stage!

Week 1: GOLDEN (June 15–19)

🎭 Week 2: EMERALD (June 22–26)

This summer, let your singer step into the spotlight with Georgia Children’s Chorus Summer Camp
— a high-energy, creativity-filled experience designed for rising 2nd through 8th graders that blends
fun, friendship, and real musical growth.

Each week brings a brand-new musical adventure:

Week 1: GOLDEN (June 15–19)
Celebrate the magic of animated films with beloved songs your singers already know and love. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat favorites, this week is all about storytelling through music.

🎭 Week 2: EMERALD (June 22–26)
Dive into the world of musical theater with iconic numbers from the stage. Campers will explore character, expression, and performance while bringing showstopping songs to life.

Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, and each session culminates in a Friday performance at 1:30 PM, where singers showcase everything they’ve learned for family and friends.

Throughout each day, campers will do more than just sing their favorite songs—they’ll build strong musical foundations through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. Singers will develop:

  • Healthy vocal technique and tone production

  • Music literacy skills like rhythm, pitch, and notation

  • Ensemble skills such as listening, blending, and teamwork

  • Confidence in performance and self-expression

All of this is taught in a dynamic, supportive environment where learning and fun go hand in hand—with games, movement, and creative activities woven into every day.

For those who want even more time to shine, campers will also have the exciting opportunity to perform in the community at AthFest (June 27) and the Athens Farmers Market (July 18).

Snacks are provided daily, and campers should bring a sack lunch. Need a little extra flexibility? Early drop-off and aftercare options are available for an additional fee.

Whether your child is brand new to singing or already loves the stage, GCC Summer Camp is the perfect place to grow as a musician, gain confidence, and experience the joy of making music together.

Vocal Technique

✳︎

Arts and Crafts

✳︎

Fun Songs

✳︎

Music Learning Games

✳︎

Perfomance Practice

Vocal Technique ✳︎ Arts and Crafts ✳︎ Fun Songs ✳︎ Music Learning Games ✳︎ Perfomance Practice

FAQ

  • Any rising 2nd through 8th grader who loves to sing! No previous experience necessary.

  • Sample daily schedule:

    8:00am - early drop-off

    9:00am - physical and vocal warm-ups together
    9:45am - musicianship/art small groups
    10:30am - snack break
    11:00am - repertoire rehearsal #1
    12:00pm - lunch and play
    12:45pm - musicianship/art small groups
    1:15pm - repertoire rehearsal #2
    2:00pm - camp pick-up

    2:00pm-5:00pm - aftercare

  • Each camper will receive

    • 5 hours per day of close attention

    • snack each day (campers need to bring their own sack lunch)

    • basic musical instruction, including note reading fundamentals, vocal technique, and making music with others

    • camaraderie time with like-minded peers

    • multiple performance opportunities

    • camp t-shirt!

  • Details coming soon!

Educational Directors

Natalie Smith headshot

Natalie Smith

Incoming GCC Artistic and Executive Director

Natalie Smith is a musician and community arts leader based in Athens since 1999. A lifelong musician, she began singing in choir at age two, studying piano at age five, and flute at age 11. These experiences helped to shape her belief that children thrive when they are both challenged and deeply supported.

Since 2001, Natalie has taught private lessons, preschool music classes, arts camps, and small group sessions, developing a thoughtful, student-centered approach to music education. She is the founder of HEART Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music instruction through a partnership with the Clarke County School District.

A professional flutist for nearly two decades, Natalie performs with orchestras and world music ensembles across the Southeast and is a founding member of the children’s entertainment band The PG Show.

Natalie holds a master’s degree in Flute Performance and bachelor’s degree in Music Theory from the University of Georgia.

Presley Dale headshot

Presley Dale

GCC Collaborative Pianist

Presley Dale has most recently served as the choral director at Oconee County Middle School and is an active collaborative pianist, violinist, and singer in metro Atlanta. Presley holds degrees in Choral Music Education and Piano from the University of Georgia.

She has traveled with choirs to Italy, Switzerland, and Portugal, and recently performed with UGA’s Hodgson Singers as they earned second place at the International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf in Germany. She has extensive experience collaborating with vocalists, instrumentalists, and choral ensembles, and has prepared ensembles at Dacula High School and Oconee County Middle School for superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation. Presley especially enjoys working with young musicians and helping them explore their musical potential, develop confidence, and discover joy in the choral arts. 

In addition to her musical work, Presley travels nationwide as a wedding photographer. She is delighted to work with the talented musicians of the Georgia Children’s Chorus this season.

Charlotte Chromiak

Musician and Elementary Educator

Charlotte Chromiak is an Athens native and CCSD teacher. Charlotte taught elementary music in Clarke and Oconee schools for twelve years and at Waseca Montessori for four years before accepting her current position as a Pre-K teacher at Barrow Elementary. She also directs the Cherub Choir and assists with Children's and Youth choirs at First Presbyterian Church in Athens. She has worked as a clinician and accompanist for elementary honor choruses in Oconee and Barrow Counties, served as the Elementary Music Chair for District 13 Georgia Music Educators Association, and was chosen as the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year for Oconee County Primary School. In addition, she has taught piano and ballet and worked as a stagehand with IATSE. 

Charlotte holds a Master of Music degree in Orff-Schulwerk from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of  Music in Music Education from UGA. Her additional teaching certifications include Gifted (K-12), ESOL (K-12), and Birth to Kindergarten. She enjoys making music with friends and colleagues, most frequently with local band 38 Strings, which is comprised of Athens area educators. She lives in Athens in with her two children, one of whom sings in Georgia Children's Chorus, and enjoys being outdoors, reading, yoga, dancing, and art.

Summer Camp Registration Form

Please complete a separate entry for each participant, then come back to this page pay your camp fees.

Sign up for both weeks, and use the discount code “2WEEKS” for $100 off your total tuition due!

Summer Camp Fees

Paying the registration fee is required to hold your child’s spot. Full tuition payment is due by the first day of camp. Pay by May 15 to receive early-bird pricing!

Sign up for both weeks, and use the discount code “2WEEKS” for $100 off your total tuition due!

Summer Camp Early Bird Tuition Payment
$450.00

Summer camp tuition payments made before May 15, 2026, will receive $50 off full tuition price.

Summer Camp Aftercare
$150.00

Pay a little extra and let your child enjoy a fun, low-key afternoon with GCC helpers!

Monday-Friday, 2pm-5pm

Summer Camp Early Drop-Off
$50.00

Need to drop off before 9:00am? We have early drop-off starting at 8:00am!