OUR MISSION
Southern Maine String Camp, one of New England’s oldest music camps, was founded in 1970 as the “Maine ASTA Summer String Conference.” Over 50 years later, SMSC is still a place where students and music educators come together with a common focus on our mission: to provide an opportunity for string players ages 10-18 to grow as musicians in a non-competitive environment, while enjoying the classic Maine summer camp experience.
What does it mean to be non-competitive?
We don’t hold stressful, high-pressure auditions for admittance. All children who register for camp will attend. We do require an audition video that is merely to help us place you in an orchestra where you’ll be most musically successful.
Our experienced staff understand that every child learns at their own pace. While campers should have a basic knowledge of their instrument and music-reading ability, our staff are prepared to make sure everyone reaches the final concert feeling confident and proud. At camp, no one “wins or loses.” We come together to make music, learn from each other, and have fun!
What do we mean by “classic Maine summer camp experience?”
During the last 50+ years, SMSC has known a few different homes. Camp has taken place at different Maine state universities and schools and even had a few different names. While each past location had its advantages, we couldn’t be happier with our home at the YMCA Camp of Maine on Lake Cobbosseecontee, where we’ve been since 2010. We like to say that we have everything a regular summer camp has, plus music! A beautiful lake, rustic and cozy cabins, campfires, songs, meals served family-style; its all part of the experience we love so dearly. Browse our gallery and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
Since 1970, thousands of kids have attended SMSC, many of whom have become music teachers. If you’re wondering about the extent of positive influence SMSC has on a camper, just ask any number of our staff who attended as a child, including our director, Andria Bacon.
We are proud to be a non-profit organization in association with the Maine Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.