YMA FAQ's

The following is an index of the most frequently asked questions about our programs:

Who can attend the program and what experience is necessary?

Children who have finished the fourth grade through the twelfth grade are eligible to attend YMA. Choir, Piano and Photography students need to have finished the sixth grade. Creative writing students need to have finished the eighth grade. (The Creative Writing Instructor, Choir Director and Piano Instructor Instructor have the option to exempt a student from the grade requirement if the student has experience in the area.) Students must be able to read music to enroll in Choir or Instrumental Music. Students must have at least one year of ballet or jazz to enroll in Dance. [ Top ]

How many students attend each session and how big are the classes?

The capacity for each session is 145 students. The ratio of students to instructor is 10 to 1. [ Top ]

How long is each session and what areas of study are available?

YMA offers two 2-week sessions. Students select a major area of study for each session they attend. The areas offered for 2008 are: Session 1: Orchestra, band and choir. Session 2: Dance, creative writing, piano, theatre, musical theatre, photography, and visual arts. [ Top ]

Can students study an area other than their major area?

Yes, in addition to the major area of study, each student will select an elective class. Students will choose an elective on the first day of classes for each session. The elective class is held for 45-minutes each day. Projected elective offerings for 2008 are: Session I: Stage band, vocal jazz ensemble, tennis, juggling, soccer, volleyball. Session 2: Juggling, volleyball, visual arts ($10 art elective fee), auditioning, improvisational theatre, African hand drumming, mask making, acting for film/video, tap (as a dance elective). [ Top ]

Where is Willamette University and why is YMA held there?

Willamette University is in Salem, Oregon (45 miles south of Portland) and is the oldest liberal arts college in the west. Willamette offers a beautiful location with state-of-the-art facilities where students can reach their highest goals. YMA has been housed at Willamette University since 1974. Directions to Willamette University [ Top ]

What is a "resident" program and where do the students stay?

A resident program is where the students remain on campus for the full 2-weeks. The students reside in two dormitories (one for male students and one for female students) on the Willamette University campus. Students are grouped by grade level. Each room provides 2-4 students with a living area that includes a desk, dresser, and closet for each student. If a student wishes to room with a friend they may request one another on their registration forms (each student must make the request and we cannot guarantee every request). [ Top ]

Is room and board Included In tuition?

Yes, the tuition includes room and board. Meals are served in a cafeteria that sits along the Mill Stream running through Willamette University campus. Bon Appetit provides a delicious variety of selections for each meal (including vegetarian selections). [ Top ]

What is the Leadership Training Program and who are the CIT's and the Counselors?

Since fourth graders through high school students are integrated at YMA, we are sensitive to the important impact teenagers play as role models. The leadership training program at YMA ensures that counselors are chosen for their proficiency in the performing and visual arts as well as their personal leadership qualities. Students who have completed the ninth grade are automatically designated "counselors-in-training" or CITs. Each CIT is assigned to a counselor for the duration of the session. They assist that counselor in assuring the successful experience of all students. At the end of the session, CITs are evaluated by the staff, counselors, and faculty. CITs with high evaluations are candidates for counselor positions. This carefully constructed Leadership Training Program has provided YMA students with valuable leadership skills while providing the program with a truly dedicated, committed, and caring group of counselors. [ Top ]

What is the class schedule and what activities are offered when classes are finished?

Classes begin at 8:30 AM Monday through Saturday (Sunday is Visitors' Day). The day consists of 4-hours of class in the major area of study, 45-minutes in an elective class, 30-minutes in an orientation class, meals, and a 40-minute rest period. Supervised recreational activities are provided after classes end at 3:45PM. Activities include: swimming in the university's indoor pool, softball, tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Most evenings include talent shows and performances (a schedule will be provided to those students attending YMA). [ Top ]

What kind of supervision is provided for the students?

Each counselor is assigned from four to ten students. The counselors reside in the dormitory with the students. In addition to the supervision by the counselor, an administrator is on duty 24 hours per day to assist. Students do not leave the Willamette University campus. There are designated boundaries for the 2-week duration of the program. Willamette University has a 24 hours security staff and YMA hires a security person to supervise the perimeter of YMA's designated boundaries. [ Top ]

Who is eligible for a scholarship application?

A student must be registered before they are eligible for a scholarship application. The registration fee and the registration form must be in the YMA office before a scholarship application will be mailed. You may request an application on the registration form. [ Top ]

Do we receive an acknowledgment of enrollment?

Once your registration form and registration fee are received, you will be e-mailed or mailed an acknowledgment note that includes a reminder of your remaining balance.If you register online, you will receive an e-mail acknowledgment of your payment thorugh Paypal. A packet with further details about the program will be mailed to each enrolled student in June. [ Top ]

What time should we arrive on the Willamette campus?

Plan to arrive on the Willamette campus Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Later in the day, after on-site registration and auditions are completed, Willamette University will serve a picnic dinner to registered students. Family and friends are encouraged to stay and join in the fun while paying a nominal charge for the meal. Full information on this will be included in the student packet. [ Top ]