Purdue Fort Wayne Visual and Performing Arts

Beginning one month from today is Debutant's Newgrass Hoot Camp for Grades 4–12! Designed for students in grades 4-12, this week-long camp will explore ear training and improvisation in an acoustic string band setting. Participants can register for violin/fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, upright bass, cello, or viola. Campers will spend each day learning from the touring performers and licensed educators that make up Debutants. Students will engage with each other to learn new skills and collaborate in an intensive and hands-on musical experience.

Monday, July 20–Friday, July 24 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
$275

One month from today Virtual Reality Camp for Grades 6-8 begins! Virtual Reality Camp gives curious creators a hands-on introduction to immersive technology in a supportive, educational setting. Campers learn visual coding, explore multiplayer VR, and work with tools used in game design, digital arts, and advanced visualization—building skills that connect to future studies in architecture, engineering, and technology fields.

Monday, July 20–Friday, July 24 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Visual Arts Building
$225

One month from today Summer String Chamber Music Academy for Grades 9-12 and amateur adults begins! Led by the esteemed Marcy Trentacosti, high school and amateur adult string players gain more exposure to chamber music experiences in this evening program. Students are thoughtfully placed into small ensembles like string quartets, trios, or duos, where they’ll explore a variety of repertoire, learn to listen to others, work as a team, and take responsibility for their performance within a group. The academy culminates in a performance for family, friends and the community.

Monday, July 13– Friday, July 17 5–9 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
$275
For information visit www.pfw.edu/camps or call 260-481-6059

Beginning one month from today is Art Camp for Grades 6-8 - Creating Value in Art! Grab your pencils and charcoal and spend time creating with Franke Park art teacher Rachel Gillespie. Campers will explore how to create value through a variety of shading techniques while working on portraits, still lifes, and landscapes—both realistic and imaginative. Working in the studio and outdoors in nature, students will discover how light, pressure, and different drawing media come together to create striking grayscale works of art.

Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 1–3 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Visual Arts Building Room 209
$125

One month from today, Uke Can Do It! For Grades 4–7 begins! Ukulele is one of the most kid-friendly instruments out there—easy to hold, gentle on small hands, and incredibly fun to learn. In Uke Can Do It!, students are introduced to music in a way that feels playful, encouraging, and successful from day one. It’s an ideal first step for kids who are curious about guitar but benefit from a simpler, confidence-boosting beginning. Throughout the week, campers will learn basic ukulele skills through hands-on playing, group jam sessions, and songs they love. We’ll also explore rhythm, singing, beat games, and even a little “science of sound,” helping students understand how music works—not just how to play notes. By the end of the week, your child won’t just have tried an instrument—they’ll have real musical skills, a sense of accomplishment, and excitement to keep learning.

Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center Room 120
$125

Beginning tomorrow is the Art Camp for Grades 6-8 - Pop Art! Dive into the bold, colorful world of Pop Art! Campers will explore the Pop Art craze of the mid-20th century, learn about iconic Pop artists, and create their own eye-catching works inspired by the movement—all guided by Franke Park art teacher Rachel Gillespie. Along the way, kids will make new friends, experience a real college art building, and spend their time creating, experimenting, and having fun!
Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 9–11 a.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Visual Arts Building Room 209
$125

The PFW College of Visual and Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that Dr. Roger David has accepted the position of Director of Choral Studies in the School of Music. Please join us in giving him a warm Mastodon welcome!

Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. David is a music educator and recent graduate of Michigan State University, where he completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and was a recipient of a University Distinguished Fellowship. During his time at MSU, he served as assistant conductor for The Singing Spartans and Campus Choir and assisted with undergraduate courses in choral conducting and choral pedagogy. His research interests include culturally-informed teaching and rehearsal processes, conductor-teacher leadership styles, and choral music from the Philippines.

Outside of teaching, he enjoys eating Korean barbecue with friends and tending his houseplants!

Two weeks from today Summer Youth Drama for Grades 4-8 begins! Learn theatre essentials and discover the power of teamwork on a real stage! Actor and instructor Gloria Minnich guides students through character development and collaboration, crafting a unique script inspired by the class’s interests. Throughout the journey, aspiring thespians will bond, make new friends, and showcase their talents in a final class performance.

Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne Kettler Hall Room G32
$89