By Stephen Daniels



Belvoir Terrace

In the summer time we tend to throw open our windows and doors to let in the warmth; to air out the house and generally enjoy the sounds and smells of the season. Summer music camps for kids can also serve as openings to new experiences and possible careers.

Music camps provide either a wide array of performance opportunities or concentrate on very distinct music genres, such as rock music or strictly classical; a blend of music and outdoor activities, or a total immersion environment. The delivery mechanisms may vary, but the objectives of these camps are to:

Develop self-confidence and discipline

Foster a positive self-image

Hone performance skills and musical literacy

A typical day in one of these camps can range from classroom instruction to group interaction and one-on-one tutorials. The idea is to guide the kids from practice to performance, since most often the season ends with a production for the entire camp. Learning how to work cooperatively with other people and sharing the pure pleasure of singing and dancing are all positive byproducts of this type of camp experience.

Camps can last from one week of day camp to a whole summer of sleep-away camp, and are structured for very young children up to college age. There are options suitable for children who already have a certain skill level and intense interest in music, while others welcome individuals with an interest in singing and dancing. Some camps even employ entertainment professionals as teachers who love to share their craft with the younger generation.

Acting camps expose children not only to acting techniques and learning to tell a story through drama, but also to the backstage technical aspects, such as lighting and set construction.

If your child just wants a fun time laced with a little jumpin' and jivin' then a low-key camp that offers plenty of the traditional outdoor pursuits like swimming, hiking and campfires would be the best way to go. On the other hand, if your son or daughter is already a first chair trumpeter with dreams of a career with a symphony orchestra, then a more conservatory type program, possibly affiliated with local music organizations, would be the best option.

So, whether your potential diva has an interest in taking the next step to stardom or is simply interested in making new and potential lifelong friends who share her passion for performing, the right summer music camp is waiting just outside her window.

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