May 4, 2026 By Todd Swavey
My best summer memories come from being in marching band during high school and spending weeks at band camp. We worked hard, made music with friends, and built a real community in the process. When I think about South Shore Conservatory’s (SSC) summer offerings today, I see that same rich experience reflected across our programs, where students of all ages come together to create, collaborate, and grow.
Summer at SSC is a lively, creative time filled with music, movement, and discovery. There’s a wide range of educational programs for students of all ages and experience levels – young beginners to advanced high school and musicians and dancers, and even adults. For those eager to dive into music-making, Summer Music Festival offers an immersive, two-week experience. Students in grade four through college can try out wind ensembles, string intensive, jazz and chamber ensembles, or a full festival orchestra. Our campus buzzes with energy during those weeks. If you happen to be walking through Bare Cove Park, you might catch a rehearsal or performance drifting from the Carr Amphitheater. SSC also offers several week-long programs that give students the chance to focus on a specific interest. In Hingham, pianists can immerse themselves in Summer Piano, and students who love to plug in and play can join Rock Band Jam, where they collaborate, write music, and perform together.
For those looking for a large ensemble experience, Flute Symphony offers a unique, longer-term experience. Meeting Wednesday evenings over the course of two months, this ensemble is open to flute players of all ages and abilities. It’s a great example of how SSC creates opportunities not just for students, but for the broader community to make music together. In Duxbury, Summer of Song, our voice program, invites welcome back Kelley DePasqua, an inspiring local vocal educator with years of music-making expertise and a deep passion for helping singers grow. Singers explore different styles and build confidence through lessons, coaching’s, and group performances. That same campus also hosts Summer Dance, where students spend the week moving, creating, and growing as dancers. In Hingham, pianists can immerse themselves in the
What really makes SSC special in the summer is the sense of community that develops. Students build confidence as they try new things, make friends with others who share their interests, and experience the joy of creating something together. Performances throughout the summer give families and community members a chance to see that growth firsthand.
Whether a student is just getting started, trying something new, or looking to take their skills to the next level, SSC offers a summer experience that is engaging, supportive,
and a lot of fun.
To learn more about our summer educational programs, please visit summer.sscmusic.org.
Vocalist Todd Swavey is South Shore Conservatory’s Director of Arts Education.