Calgary Arts Summer School Association

"Discover The Fine Arts Within Yourself"

What is the Calgary Arts Summer School Association?

Initiated in 1993 by a small group of Calgary music teachers in collaboration with a local piano dealer and incorporated in 1996 as a non-profit society, the Calgary Arts Summer School Association (CASSA) has grown into a comprehensive summer arts program representing numerous artistic disciplines.

Since its inception, over 2,500 students have participated in the diverse and innovative programs offered by CASSA, including: Musical Theatre Showtime; Piano Camp; Music, Drama, Movement & Art Camp; Music Theory Workshop; Concert Artist Recital; and Piano Pedagogy Workshop.
These programs have attracted participants from throughout Alberta and from as far away as the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and South America.

CASSA is a registered charity.

Mission Statement

Calgary Arts Summer School is the Calgary Summer School for the Arts!

Vision Statement

CASSA seeks to provide an inter-disciplinary performing and visual arts experience for students of all ages to foster desire, discover talent and encourage the development of both, in a non-competitive environment, thereby enhancing students' social skills, confidence, scholastic potential and life experiences.

Building Our Vision

For over 10 years, CASSA has provided quality education with a high level of professional instruction within a completely unique, inter-disciplinary summer arts school. Whether students are only beginning their artistic education or are advanced in their studies, CASSA has something for everyone! In 2008, nine programs and a concert recital are available through the summer.

Through the years, demand for CASSA's programs has steadily increased. Per season, over three hundred students have participated in classes, while recitals, performances, and events have drawn in excess of one thousand attendees. Looking to the future, it is our intention to build upon our successes and create a strong financial foundation which would ensure the availability of these innovative and exceptional programs for many years to come, as well as the capacity to expand upon and enhance each program to meet the community's growing needs.

We would love to have you share in this exciting vision!

What does the Calgary Arts Summer School Association offer?

Musical Theatre Showtime

This is a six-day program for students aged ten to nineteen years. Participants study singing, acting, stage movement and set design. They plan and produce a one-act musical which is then performed at the end of the week.

Music Theory Workshop

In collaboration with the Music Theory Network, guest clinicians present an in-depth and creative examination of music theory and performance practices during this full-day workshop.

Recital

Guest performers present a professional concert recital which is open to the public.

Piano Pedagogy Workshop

This is a two-day workshop, appropriate for piano teachers and advanced students, in which highly-respected guest clinicians present lectures and interactive sessions exploring various approaches and materials for piano instruction.

Piano Camp

Pianists aged ten to adult work on prepared solo repertoire and ensemble pieces with six different instructors, including an internationally renowned guest clinician, during this five-day program. Furthermore, workshops are provided on a variety of topics, such as performance anxiety, piano technique, improvisation, composition, drama, art and writing. Students perform in two recitals to showcase the results of their efforts.

Music, Drama, Movement and Art Camp

Developed by four of Calgary's leading arts educators, this five-day camp provides children aged four to ten an introduction to these four artistic disciplines. Participants are grouped according to age and experience.

CASS-Amici String Camp

There are three, fun programs for string players of all levels. The camp includes a recital for solo and ensembles.

Violin Pedagogy Workshop

This is a week-long workshop appropriate for violin teachers and advanced students.

Adult Piano Camp

The Adult Piano Camp is an intense program for adult "piano enthusiasts" of all levels.

PlayWriting Camp

In a dramatic and fun-filled week of half day camps, students learn how to write, rehearse and perform their own unique play in just five days.

New Jazz Program in 2009

We are pleased to announce that a Jazz Workshop will be offered from July 10 to 14. Derek Stoll will be organizing the event and details will be posted as they become available.

CASSA's programs offer unique opportunities for students to learn and grow, to interact in a social setting, to be introduced to various disciplines of the arts, to enhance their skills, and to come away with a positive and fulfilling experience. Participating instructors have the opportunity to interact with and learn from their immediate peers and gain greater insight into pedagogical theories and practices through working with guest clinicians.

Parents and members of the general public are able to experience the culmination of these collaborative efforts through attending recitals and open house events. CASSA strives to provide these programs at a cost that is non-prohibitive. Bursaries and Grants-in-Aid are available for students in financial need.