DECATUR, Ill. -- MCAA offers summer camps for ages pre-school through 12th grade, and private and group lessons for ages six through adult in the performing arts, music, and writing. Their summer programming offers a unique selection of quality instruction for beginners or advanced learners.
Instructors include School of Music faculty members, MCAA Instructor faculty and upper-level Millikin student instructors.
Interested participants can enroll at:
More information about individual programming — including requirements and fees — is offered below.
Active Arts Adventure! Session I
June 5–9, 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Entering preschool through 6th grade • Fee: $100
Participants will enjoy music, dance, drama, movement and the visual arts.
Active Arts Adventure! Session II
June 5–9, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Entering kindergarten through 6th grade • Fee: $100
Participants will enjoy music, dance, drama, movement and the visual arts.
Millikin Community Percussion Ensemble: Summer Session
June 8–July 27, Thursdays from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Ages 10+ with minimum 1 year of playing experience • Fee: $165
Campers will rehearse and perform a variety of percussion ensemble music including classical percussion repertoire, novelty music and on-the-go bucket jams!
Pre-school Music Appreciation with Instruments
June 26–30, 9:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Ages 3–5 • Fee: $90
In this camp, children will interact with song, movement and crafts as they explore making a new musical instrument each day and learn how to play this instrument to popular music.
Musical Theatre Camp JR
June 26-30, 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Ages 6-11 • Fee: $100
This camp will include learning and performing popular musical theatre pieces along with learning performing techniques, music sight-reading skills, basic theatre movement and singing/acting techniques.
Musical Theatre Camp SR
June 26–30, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Ages 12–18 • Fee: $100
This camp is designed to showcase campers’ talents and abilities as well as grow performance skills and technique in singing, dancing and acting.
Intergenerational Choir
July 1, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; July 2, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Ages 16+ • Fee: $60
Come and sing in the intergenerational choir that is for anyone in the Greater Decatur community who desires to sing with a group of like-minded people who love singing!
RAP-U!
July 10–14, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Entering grades 5–12 • Fee: $150
In this course, students will explore the history of hip-hop and will have the opportunity to create music in a professional studio, collaborate with independent artists and perform.
First Gig Rock’n’Roll Camp!
July 17–22, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Ages 10–18 • Fee: $300
Students will learn the ropes of how to be in a rock band, led by seasoned professional musicians.
2023 Millikin Summer Piano Camp
July 23–29, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Ages 12+ through adult • Fee: $600 (Resident) / $375 (Commuter)
Over the course of six days, intermediate to advanced students will participate in activities including masterclasses, private lessons, pedagogical presentations, collaborative piano, faculty, and student recitals and competition opportunities.
Creative Writing Camp
July 23–29, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Junior high and high school students (12+) • Fee: $550 (Resident / $325 (Commuter)
To develop their technique, campers will participate in writing exercises, readings, discussions, group writing workshops and one-on-one critiques with the instructor.
Millikin University Summer Jazz Band Camp
July 23–29, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Junior high and high school students (12+) • Fee: $550 (Resident / $325 (Commuter)
This camp is designed for students to develop individual musicianship and sight-reading skills through combo and big band settings.
Summer Sings!
July 31–August 4, 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Preschool through 8th grade • Fee: $100
Summer Sings engages students through singing, dancing and playing instruments.
Wild Arts Camp!
July 31–August 4, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Kindergarten through 8th grade • Fee: $100
Campers will experience the WILD side of art, focusing on new and exciting visual art techniques, drama, bucket drumming, Orff instruments and MUCH MORE!
Register and view full program descriptions at .
About the Millikin Community Arts Academy
The mission of the Millikin Community Arts Academy (MCAA), formerly known as the Preparatory Department, is to foster an appreciation of and participation in the arts while instilling a lifelong love and enjoyment of them. MCAA seeks to provide learning and performance opportunities for students of all ages in music, theatre, dance and art; enhance students’ knowledge and performance expertise; and cultivate a companionable link between university and community. Visit to learn more.
For further information, please contact LJ Pemberton, Marketing and Patron Relations Manager at Kirkland Fine Arts Center at 217.424.3931 or lpemberton@millikin.edu.
