(Decatur, IL) — Millikin University will host the 39th annual Showchoir Camps of America (SCA) Sunday, June 17 through Saturday, June 23, on the Millikin campus.
Founded by Millikin alums Dwight Jordan ’76 and Susan Boroian Moninger ’78, Showchoir Camps of America brings in top clinicians to teach youth ages 11-18 about singing, choreography, dancing, jazz, hip-hop and acting.
Dwight Jordan and Susan Moninger have combined their philosophies and talents as award-winning music educators to create one of the most highly respected camps of its kind, by combining a non-competitive, positive environment that motivates, challenges and inspires. Students can experience the best training from teachers that are nationally recognized educators, directors and performers.
Jordan, a native of Blue Mound, Ill., is a music educator, director, choreographer and producer. Jordan is a well-known choreographer for many award-winning show choirs, and has directed and choreographed several Branson, Mo., shows including the Showboat Branson Bell and at Silver Dollar City. He has directed and choreographed shows at Six Flags Great America and was a guest conductor at international festivals in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Estonia.
Susan Moninger, originally from Flossmoor, Ill., is currently the director of student choral activities at Elmhurst College. A former jingle singer, (United Airlines, Green Giant and numerous other national commercials) she recently served as a judge to help choose finalists from around the world for the next “Voice of McDonalds.” As a composer and arranger, her vocal jazz charts are published by KJOS in San Diego, Calif. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, Actors Equity Association, American Choral Directors Association and Music Educators National Conference.
As part of its first camp, 200 students and 60 directors attended the first annual Showchoir Camps of America. This began a business that has lasted more than 25 years and seen more than 30,000 students sing and dance through one or more camps. Many of those students have gone on to successful musical careers, including Lance Bass of NSYNC and 2000 Tony Award winner Heather Headley.
Former students consistently return to SCA to serve as guest artists or counselors, including Millikin alums Jodi Marzorati Benson ’83 (voice of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”), and Broadway star Tim Shew ’80, who led a 2004 workshop.
For more information about Showchoir Camps of America, visit http://www.showchoircamps.com/, call 630.663.4500, or contact SCA by e-mail at info@showchoircamps.com.