DUNSEITH, N.D. -- One of the highest-profile events at the International Peace Garden is the annual music camp.
The International Music Camp is nestled into a small, wooded corner of the garden and has offered students from grades 5-12, and some adults, weeklong sessions that focus on the fine arts, such as band orchestra and choral music, but also touch on the creative and visual arts, such as photography, dance and theater.
Tim Baumann and his wife, Christine, met nine years ago as counselors at the camp and on July 1 took over as directors of the camp, which they have made their home away from home. The couple now live in Minot when the camp is not in session.
Tim Baumann says the area is absolutely gorgeous.
"Walking home at night, listening to wind rustle through the trees is one of the most peaceful things," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Now in its 58th year, the camp is drawing an average 2,200 students, offering "a chance for kids to unplug and develop who they are," Baumann said.
Guest artists and conductors from area universities continue to work with students during the camps to help develop the students' skills.
And, as Tim Baumann points out, the campers can meet like-minded kids focused on the same passion for music.
"It's a good place for students who love the arts and become better at their craft," he said, "And they do it alongside friends who care about their craft and teachers who really care about them and the art as well."
Winnipeg resident and Peace Garden board member Charles Thomsen said the music camp maintains the garden's original vision to bring people together to work collaboratively.
Thomsen's grandson spent his summers at the camp, and has made his way to become a staff member now, helping students get where they need to be throughout the camp sessions.
Baumann said the midsummer sessions take in the largest number of students, with the choir-focused camp that just finished and jazz band and orchestra coming up.
The camp also preps high school students with an intense three-week training. This session requires a teacher's recommendation and packs a semester's worth of music theory and lessons.
ADVERTISEMENT
Having been a former music educator, Baumann said summer camp is the best thing for any student to keep playing until school starts back up.
"Students learn and grow as an individual musician and can start to help others in the band or orchestra," he said.
