Summer Camp

2026

Build Skills. Make Music.

Take the Stage!

✨ Week 1: GOLDEN (July 6-10)

🎭 Week 2: EMERALD (July 13-17)

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 (July 6-10)
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 (July 13-17)
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 the Athens Farmers Market on Saturday, July 18!

Snacks are provided daily, and campers should bring a sack lunch.

Need a little extra flexibility?

Early drop-off - 8:00 AM - $50 per week
Aftercamp - 2:00-5:00 PM - $150 per week

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
- hours of fun with like-minded peers
- multiple performance opportunities
- and a camp t-shirt!
Camp will be held at the University of Georgia School of Music.
250 River Rd., Athens, GA 30605
One week of camp - $350 (early bird), $400 (full price)
Registration fee - $50
Discount of $100 if your child attends both weeks!

Go to Registration

Educational Directors

Natalie Smith

Incoming GCC Artistic 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 of Music in Flute Performance and Bachelor of Music in Music Theory from the University of Georgia.

Katie Drybrough

Collaborative Pianist/UGA Intern

Katie Drybrough is a choral conductor and piano pedagogue originally from Louisville Kentucky. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Western Kentucky University, where she served as Graduate Assistant in Piano Pedagogy, instructor of the Piano Laboratory Program, and President of the MTNA WKU Collegiate Chapter.

She has held various positions as a church musician since 2014, most recently appointed as Director of Music at St. Joseph Catholic Church here in Athens.

She enjoys researching and performing works by underrepresented women composers and exploring new methods to make music learning engaging and motivating for young musicians.

Katie is currently on scholarship at the University of Georgia, pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and leading university choral ensembles as a graduate assistant conductor.

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 full tuition by May 30 to receive early-bird pricing!

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