BINGHAMTON, NY - Binghamton University’s Confucius Institute will host a Chinese language/performing arts summer day-camp from July 27 through Aug. 14. "Sounds of China: STARTALK Learn Chinese through Beijing Opera Performance" will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, on campus. An application is required, but the program is free and open to students entering grades 6-12.
"Sounds of China" is ideal for students who have one year or less of Chinese language background, but no previous knowledge of Chinese is required. Participants will learn to read and write basic Chinese characters; converse in basic Chinese with teachers and classmates; and experience and learn for themselves the many aspects of Beijing opera, including its style of stage, combat, costumes, character types, singing, distinctive face-painting style, history and movements.
Sponsored by STARTALK, a U.S. government program, "Sounds of China" aims to develop students’ abilities in basic Chinese conversation through a focus on Beijing opera. Participants will learn the Chinese language and engage in Chinese culture-themed arts and crafts in the mornings, and learn Beijing opera in the afternoons, using their recently acquired language skills.
The Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera at Binghamton University (CICO) is a nonprofit organization jointly formed by Binghamton University and the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, and is sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing, China.
Applicants must submit a personal statement of 300 words or less explaining why they would like to participate in this camp, along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Documents can be mailed to Shuang Liang, Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, or scanned and e-mailed to sliang18@binghamton.edu.
The application deadline is Sunday, April 26, 2015. For the application form and more information about this program, visit http://startalkbu.com/.
