Welcome to La Sierra Creative Arts Camp

La Sierra was formed in 1966 by a group of music educators eager to offer a quality musical experience each summer for young musicians from 6th to 12th grades. Over the years La Sierra has been led by some of the finest music educators in California and has helped foster generations of musical minds along their path in music. La Sierra is currently held at the beautiful Scicon campus, nestled in the foothills on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest above Porterville. Camp at Scicon provides the setting for extraordinary musical experiences and outdoor adventures. Campers will participate in concert band, symphonic band, or orchestra, with opportunities to also participate in jazz band, small ensembles, master classes, student recitals, and private lessons. Recreational activities round out the week at La Sierra, with cabin competitions, skit night, and the Friday dance among other engaging memory making highlights. We can't wait to share this wonderful experience with you!

What forms are required?
You must submit a camp registration form and a health form to attend camp. Please visit our registration section to view all necessary forms.

What is the daily schedule like?
Each day you will have rehearsals with your main ensemble, whether that be the concert band, the symphonic band, or the string ensemble. You will also have master classes and sectionals each day. Master classes will be on a range of topics, including anything from music theory to jazz improvisation to nature hikes. Jazz bands meet everyday (for those who make it in to one of the jazz bands). There will be recreation time and small breaks throughout the day. There will also be different evening activities each day including relay night, game show night, skit night, the student dance, etc.

Can I *just* play in jazz band?
One of the great things about La Sierra is the amazing music faculty! Playing in multiple ensembles gives you the opportunity to work with the faculty and learn varied styles of music. Further more, all styles and settings of music inform each other and help make us better musicians, so it is invaluable to get to participate in as many of the ensembles as you can. To that end, you must participate in one of the concert groups. However, you are encouraged to audition for jazz band, as it is an awesome experience!

What's the food like?
The kitchen staff at Scicon will provide a variety of great meals throughout the week at camp, served in a buffet-line style. Well-balanced meals will be provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day! Also, it is very important that you let us know well ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, non-lactose, gluten free).

What's the weather like?
The weather is similar to what we experience in the valley in general, but is usually a few degrees cooler. It is warm to hot throughout the day, but can get a little cooler in the mornings and evenings. Bring plenty of clothes for the week: extra socks and underwear, a sweatshirt or jacket, clothes to play sports in, and of course plenty of t-shirts.

What do I play for my audition?
Prepare a CLASSICAL piece of music, such as an etude or state/local honor band audition piece that demonstrates technique, tempo, tone, and musicality. Remember, you want to show off your best talents as a musician, so the 2nd part to your school's street march might not be a good choice. Please avoid pieces with excessive rests. Auditions for chair placement will begin for everyone after the orientation meeting on the first day of camp. Jazz band auditions will be based off of sight reading in your primary audition. Most importantly, remember that auditions are a way for us to get a sense of where you're at in your development on your instrument, and we'll be happy and supportive of whatever your level of experience is when you arrive at camp!

Can I room with my friend?
Cabins are mostly configured by age, but we try to accommodate your choice of roommate as much as possible. Also, we hope that you will become great friends with everyone in your cabin by the end of the week!

Can I get mail at camp?
YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!! Tell all of your friends and family to send you mail while you're at camp! The address for sending mail will be included in the camper information packet.

What To Bring

  • Your instrument (if you plan to double, bring both)

  • Sticks and mallets (for percussionists)

  • All mutes, reeds, and mouthpieces to any instruments you play

  • Method books and solo pieces

  • Folding music stand (please mark with your name)

  • Cork grease, reeds, slide/valve oil

  • Earplugs (if you're a light sleeper)

  • Swimsuit, towel

  • Bug spray, sunscreen

  • Toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, tissues

  • Hair brush/comb

  • Bag for laundry

  • Flashlight

  • Bath towels, washcloths

  • Sleeping bag or bedding, pillow

  • Chapstick/vaseline

  • Clothing appropriate for cool evenings and warm or hot days (bring extra clothing for sports/recreation time)

  • Stationary and stamps if you wish to write home

  • Camera

  • A nice outfit to wear to the student dance (something you would wear to a school dance)

  • Fun items to decorate your cabin with or goofy things to wear around camp (like a fun hat!)

  • Snack Bar Money

La Sierra (Scicon) Camp Address:
41569 Bear Creek Dr
Springville, CA 93265

General Directions From Fresno/Clovis Area:
Take CA-99 S to CA-137 E/E Tulare Ave in Tulare. Take the Tulare Ave/CA-137 exit from CA-99 S, follow for 46 min (52.2 miles). Continue on CA-137 E. Take CA-65 S, Ave 196, Ave 176/M-176, and CA-190 E to Bear Creek Rd.

General Directions From South of Delano/Bakersfield Area:
Follow CA-65 N and CA-190 E/State 190 E to Balch Park Rd/Springville-Milo Rd in Springville 1 h 7 min (63.0 miles). Continue on Balch Park Rd/Springville-Milo Rd. Continue to Bear Creek Rd.