Young rock stars from last year's School of Rock 'N' Roll Summer Camp pose for their promotional photos. This year's camp is set to kick off on July 7.
Are you ready to rock? For the fifth straight summer, musically talented children will descend upon Durham College's Oshawa campus for the annual School of Rock 'N' Roll Summer Camp, held throughout July.
The focus of the camp, which is held in week-long sessions beginning July 7, 14, 21 and 28, is making music fun for its participants. Kids from the ages of nine to 14 are encouraged to let loose and create their own original music. It is not mandatory for participants to have previous experience with musical instruments as they can choose from beginner, intermediate and expert sessions when they register.
A month of rock and roll is just the way that Iain McPherson, camp director and professor with the Durham College Music Business Management program, enjoys spending his summer. For McPherson, it's an exceptionally rewarding experience.
"I have travelled around the world, but there are few things more fulfilling in my life than seeing the joy in the faces of a brand new group of rockers up on stage," said McPherson. "They're giving it everything they've got. It's amazing to think that some of them arrived five days earlier, never having held a guitar in their life. It brings tears to my eyes every time!"
Beginners are offered a chance to learn how to play guitar, bass, drums and/or keyboards in an authentic rock and roll band. For those already musically inclined, the camp is a chance to improve on their individual musical skills and apply them to playing in a band, with the help of talented counsellors. Campers also receive instruction and classes in songwriting, rock history, sound and lighting, and stage presence.
The camp counsellors, made up of Music Business Management graduates and students, lead the future rockers in daily jam sessions, both acoustic and electric, and supervise other activities, such as getting band photos taken for promotional material.
McPherson notes that significant improvements to the camp's technical equipment and renovations to the recording studio and campus radio station will enhance the overall experience for this year's campers.
At the end of the week, each of the assembled rock bands will have a chance to realize its rock and roll dreams in front of a live audience of friends and family at the Festival of Rock, held at E.P. Taylor's Pub in the Student Centre.
After wowing the crowds, campers leave as full-fledged rock stars, complete with customized band names, logos, autographed photos and backstage passes.