Summer Arts Academy 2025
Our mission is to provide a creative and supportive environment for young adults to grow as artists, writers, dancers, actors, musicians and individuals.
Below is the final listing of the academies being offered.
All academies take place at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts located at 7 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown.
Doors open at 8:30 AM for daily drop-off. Academies begin at 9:00 AM.
Full Day Academies will need to pack lunch daily. Students can bring a water bottle to refill in water stations throughout the school. Lunch will be 12:00 to 12:45 daily.
All academies are open to any students meeting grade and experience requirements. Students will get chance to meet and work with our amazing staff each week as well as student interns that are currently attending BISFA!
Participants do not have to be WCPS Students to attend our summer academy programs. Homeschool and private school students are welcome to attend!
Grades are based on what grade the student will attend the next school year 2025-2026. Please read the description and the experience requirement.
Please reach out to Rachel at 240-347-4934 or at rachelt@barbaraingramfoundation.org if you have any questions or need additional information.
Dance Academy – JUNE 16-19, 2025
(Class Size Limit 30)
This program is designed to give students the opportunity to study a wide range of dance styles. The diverse styles of dance will include jazz, hip-hop, modern, ballet, lyrical, improvisation and composition. On the first day of class, students will be evaluated and placed in the appropriate level of study. Students will perform a short showcase on the last day for family and friends. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructors: Andrea Masciocchi and Keleah Barr; BISFA Dance Department Faculty
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 6th-12th Grades
Experience: At least 2 years of Dance classes
2D Animation Academy – JUNE 23-26, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
This academy will start at the beginner’s level and steadily but quickly provide the information and experience needed to create animations. During the week, we will explore the world of 2D animation, learn different styles and techniques, use graphics and audio software, then finally put students’ knowledge to the test and create an animation scene by the end of class. The only equipment needed is willingness to learn, a healthy dose of motivation, and imagination. We’ll provide the hardware. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructors: Keon Billings; BISFA Computer Game Design & Animation Faculty
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 6-12 Grades
Experience: No Experience needed!
Becoming an Actor Academy – JUNE 23-26, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
This will teach the many skills an actor uses to perform onstage with confidence and creativity. Students will learn these fundamentals through exercises, improvisation, and script study. A rehearsed program (live or recorded; safety guidelines pending) on the last day of the Academy will showcase the students’ achievements. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Dale Stein
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 5th-9th Grades
Experience: No Experience needed!
String Orchestra Academy I – JUNE 23-26, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
The students will participate in full string orchestra rehearsals, chamber music rehearsals and coachings (duets, trios, quartets etc.), work with other students in sectional rehearsals, learn basic music theory, history, and have a chance to take private lessons and participate in master classes. The week will end with a grand finale concert of all the music we have worked on during the week.
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Petr Skopek; BISFA Instrumental Department Faculty and MSO Member
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 5th and 6th Grades
Experience: At least 2 years of lessons on a string instrument
Vocal Music Academy – JUNE 23-26, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
Creative Writing Academy – JULY 7-10, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
This Academy is designed to give beginning writers an introduction to the conventions of effective creative writing. Taught by a BISFA Alumni students will learn how to craft impacting poetry and fiction and have fun doing it! Using a number of different stimulating writing prompts and activities, this academy will provide young writers with the start of a writing portfolio and open their eyes to the power of words. This academy will culminate with a public reading of student work (if the student is comfortable sharing). A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Rebecca Strunk; BISFA Alumni Class of 2015
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 5-9 Grades
Experience: No Experience needed!
Dancing for the Camera – JULY 7-10, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
During this 4-day dance intensive students will experience what it is like to dance on film. Dancing on film is a necessary tool used in the dance world. Having this knowledge will help dancers in creating self tape reels, auditions footage and photos for major summer intensives, college auditions and portfolios. During this academy, students will take classes (Ballet and Jazz), learn solo variations/combinations to be able to film later in the week. Students will also have photographs taken to use in their portfolios. At the end of the week students will have multiple solo reels and still shots for future use. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructors: Michaela Smallwood; BISFA Alumni Class of 2019, Theatre Dance Adjunct Faculty
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 7th-12th Grades
Experience: At least 4 years of Dance. This academy is designed for the more serious dance student who may want to seeking higher dance education and expierence.
Filmmaking 101 Academy – JULY 7-17, 2025
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 15)
Learn the basics of making a short film from the pre-production process to the final product! This CONSECUTIVE TWO-WEEK academy will focus on script development, camera use, lighting, and digital film editing. Students will use supplied cameras and equipment to create a short film by the end of the second week. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $400 THIS IS A CONSECUTIVE TWO-WEEK ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
Instructors: Peter Arizmendi, Owner Fresh Academicz
Academy: 9 am – 4pm
Grades: Rising 6-9 Grades
Experience: No Experience needed!
Strings Academy II – JULY 7-10, 2025
BRAND NEW ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 15)
The students will participate in full string orchestra rehearsals, chamber music rehearsals and coachings (duets, trios, quartets etc.), work with other students in sectional rehearsals, learn basic music theory, history, and have a chance to take private lessons and participate in master classes. The week will end with a grand finale concert of all the music we have worked on during the week. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Petr Skopek; BISFA Instrumental Department Faculty and MSO Member
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 7th-12th Grades
Experience: At least 4 years of lessons
Harp Academy I – July 7-10, 2025
BRAND NEW ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 12)
Students will learn the basics of how to play the harp! We will also explore music theory (note reading, dictation) leading to writing one or more short pieces. We will learn about different types of harps and their history. We will also analyze and learn some new pieces, developing the ability to lead and follow. At the end of the week, we will enjoy demonstrating some of the things we have learned during the week.
Tuition: $200 (Includes the use of a harp at the school)
Instructor: Mark Pfannschmidt; BISFA Faculty and National Philharmonic member
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 5th and 6th Grades
Experience: At least 2 years of piano lessons or prior experience with harp
Cardboard Sculpting Academy JULY 7-10, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
Students will be creating a sculpture out of an abundant “found material” called cardboard. Students will explore the variety of forms and textures this simple material has to offer. The subject matter will focus on everyday objects. We will be seeking the “magic/beauty in the mundane.” Students will explore their talent and be able to have pieces to take home at the end of the week. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Jason Durham, WCPS Visual Arts Teacher
Academy 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 5-12 Grades
Experience: No Experience needed!
Instrumental Chamber Music – JULY 14-17, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
Students will form small chamber music ensembles such as duets, trios, quartets and quintets (based on instrumentation). Students will work with a coach as well as independently and learn how to work in a one-on-a-part setting, how to lead and follow, how to interpret scores, manage rehearsal time efficiently, and perform in a group without a conductor. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Petr Skopek; BISFA Instrumental Department Faculty and MSO Member
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 8-12 Grades
Experience: At least 4 years of lessons on a string instrument
Harp Academy II – July 14-17, 2025
BRAND NEW ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 12)
Students will learn the basics of how to play the harp! We will also explore music theory (note reading, dictation) leading to writing one or more short pieces. We will learn about different types of harps and their history. We will also analyze and learn some new pieces, developing the ability to lead and follow. At the end of the week, we will enjoy demonstrating some of the things we have learned during the week.
Tuition: $200 (Includes the use of a harp at the school)
Instructor: Mark Pfannschmidt; BISFA Faculty and National Philharmonic member
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 7th-12th Grades
Experience: At least 2 years of piano lessons or prior experience with harp
Acting For Film – JULY 14-17, 2025
BRAND NEW ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 15)
Instructor: Dale Stein, Actor/Writer, Barbara Ingram Theatre Adjunct, will teach acting skills and technique with emphasis on adjusting performance for the camera. Shelly Strong, Film Producer, will provide insights into the filmmaking process. Kristen Green, Photo and Cinema Lead Teacher at Barbara Ingram.
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 10th-12th Grades
Experience: Prior acting experience is encouraged
Making a Rock Band JULY 14-24, 2025
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 15)
Come experience the thrill of playing music in a band. This 2-week academy will have students play together and get personal one on one mentorship and group coaching. Students will be learning to play and perform songs of different genres and decades. Students will also create music and write lyrics for an original song.
About a month before camp begins instructors will reach out to the students to get to know you, your musician character, and the songs you want to learn and perform. We will compile a list of the student’s songs they want to learn and decide together which songs will be included in our camp set list! A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $400
Instructor: Michael Tyson; BISFA Adjunct Staff
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 6-12 Grades
Experience: Levels: instrumentalists—at least two years in school or private lessons preferred. Vocalists—at least 1 year in choir or voice lessons preferred. Levels: instrumentalists—at least two years in school or private lessons preferred. Vocalists—at least 1 year in choir or voice lessons preferred. Basic music reading skills preferred: tempo, meter, note values
Beginner Piano Academy – JULY 21-24, 2025
BRAND NEW ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 8)
Tuition: $100
Instructor: Sarai Foster; BISFA Alumni Class of 2025
Academy: 9 am – Noon
Grades: Rising 4th-7th Grades
Experience: 0 to 1 year of lessons
Photography Academy JULY 21-24, 2025
(Class Size Limit 15)
This Academy is for all those interested in learning the history of photography and composition in photography. Students will learn basic photography operation, shutter speed, and F-stop. Students will participate in a variety of photo walks, taking photos and learning camera use – both digital and film. They will also learn how to print film by working in the darkroom. Each student will finish the class with some prints of their best photos. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Mark Youngblood
Academy 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 8-10 Grades
Experience: No Experience needed!
Intermediate/Advanced Piano Academy – July 28-31, 2025
FULL DAY ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!
(Class Size Limit 10)
Tuition: $200
Instructor: Melissa Mackley; BISFA Piano/Vocal Lead Department Faculty
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm THIS IS A FULL DAY ACADEMY THIS YEAR!!!
Grades: Rising 5th-9th Grades
Experience: At least 2 years of lessons, and access to a Piano at home
Visual Arts Academy JULY 28-31, 2025
(Class Size Limit 20)
The Visual Arts Academy is intended to allow students to explore various mediums and techniques in drawing, painting and pottery, fiber artsry. Emphasis will be placed on individual creative expression. Students will also explore the use of the principles and elements of design while learning to create a portfolio. A perfect Academy for incoming Freshman!
Tuition: $200
Instructors: Elena Crutchfield, Annabelle Skopek, Delaney Brown and Maddy Renken, BISFA Alumni
Academy: 9 am – 4 pm
Grades: Rising 5-10 Grades
Experience: No experience needed!