Who is Ellis Family Music Company, Inc./EFM Productions, Inc.?

Ellis Family Music Company, Inc./EFM Productions, Inc. is a publishing and recording company who's President, Cathy Ellis, an alumni of the University of Miami's School of Music. Ms Ellis formed the camp, along with Rene Gonzalez, Don Coffman and Mike Harvey more than seventeen years ago as a "thank you" back to the University since Ms. Ellis was a scholarship recipient at the UM and wanted to give something back to her alma mater. She, along with her mother, Esther, formed the "William R. & Esther V. Ellis Scholarship Fund" in an effort to help young aspiring musicians attend this incredible camp and eventually the UM. Ms Ellis is a well-known author, singer, recording artist (EFM Productions), Publisher, and an award winning songwriter.
Click here to learn more about Cathy Ellis, Esther Ellis and EFM


Who is Dr. Rene Gonzalez?

Dr. Rene Gonzalez is the Head of the University of Miami's Classical Guitar Department, and a well-known recording artist and author. His CD, "The Hummingbird" was on the first Grammy Nomination List in 2001. He is also the Camp Director. Any questions not answered in this Q&A sheet should be directed to him at 305-284-2083. He has been teaching classical guitar at the University for over 25 years and has one of the strongest programs in the nation. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Dorothy for almost thirty years and they have a beautiful daughter, Elisa.
Click here To learn more about Dr. Gonzalez

Where is the University of Miami?

The University of Miami is located in the beautiful city of Coral Gables, south of Downtown Miami, off of US 1 between Granada and Red Road, off of Ponce De Leon Boulevard. If you are flying into Miami International Airport (MIA), there is a shuttle that can take you to campus. If you are driving in from out of town, we have provided directions coming from I-75 (Alligator Alley) and I-95. Simply click on the Button labled "Maps & Directions to UM". These Maps & Directions will help guide you throughout campus and inform you as to where meeting areas are going to be held, and where the dormitories are located.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?
Yes.
Guitarists: need to bring:
For Classical: A Classical Guitar
For Electric: An Electric Guitar, Cord, Picks and a small amplifier
Guitarists CAN bring both, but if they can only bring one, then it is recommended that they bring the Classical. (There are guitars like the Tekamine Guitars that are classical and have electric pickups built into the guitar.)

Bass Players: need to bring an Electric Bass, cord and small amp. (An upright is okay, too)

Drummers: need to bring a pair of Drum Sticks and a Drum pad.
The instructor will let the drummers know if any of them need to bring their sets.



What does the cost of the camp include?

The cost of the camp includes all books (a $50 value) and materials (other than the instrument), a T-shirt which is given to the kids on Friday before the concert, lunch and a lot of knowledge which your child will carry with him/her forever!



What is the Daily Schedule like?
From 9 AM to Noon the Campers are in Technique classes at their age level and ability level learning all styles.
From 1pm to 3pm, the Campers are placed in performance groups again according to their age and ability. These groups are primarily a "rhythm section" wherein the guitar, bass-guitar, drumset and keyboardists are now together. There is also a Classical Guitar Ensemble at this time.
From 3:30 to 5:00, the Campers are in various types of performance groups including a Bass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Guitar Orchestra, all in preparation for Friday's Gala Performance.
The Overnight Campers have dinner from 5:00 to 7:00 and then participate in Night Time Activities from 7:00 to 9:00. (See the "Dorm Life" page for more information on the Overnighters)