Youth Music Enrichment Camp

Youth Music Enrichment Camp Hits All the Right Notes

The Monroe Area Council for the Arts (MACA), in partnership with SafePath Monroe, welcomed students entering grades 6–12 for an inspiring week of music, creativity, and personal growth during our Youth Music Enrichment Camp.

Led by Charlie Hicks and John Demerdjian, the camp gave students the opportunity to explore the power of music while building confidence, friendships, and new skills. From the very first morning, the instructors recognized that many students were stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Campers arrived from different schools, represented a wide range of ages, and many had never met before. While there were a few nervous faces, it didn't take long for music to do bring them together.

After icebreaker activities and the first jam session, conversations began to flow naturally. By lunchtime on the first day, students were sharing stories about the instruments they played, musical traditions in their families, and discovering common interests. Throughout the week, friendships grew alongside musical abilities.

One of the week's most meaningful stories involved a student who was extremely hesitant on the first morning. Her mother shared that she had experienced some difficult situations at school and was unsure whether she would even get out of the car. Thanks to the welcoming environment created by the instructors and fellow campers, she quickly found her place. She eagerly participated in activities, learned to create beats using a music app from another camper, proudly shared her creations, and left camp excited to return next summer.

Stories like hers are a reminder that music has the power to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create lasting connections.

Throughout the week, students explored a variety of musical experiences. Campers were encouraged to bring their own instruments, while MACA provided keyboards, guitars, melody bells, rhythm sticks, Boomwhackers, and other instruments for those who needed them. Daily activities included:

-Morning jam sessions where students performed individually and together
-Listening and discussing positive, uplifting music
-Choir rehearsals
-Rhythm and Boomwhacker activities
-Piano keyboard and guitar instruction
-Music theory, rhythm reading, notation, and ear trainingVocal development and ensemble singing

The instructors noted that students remained highly engaged throughout every lesson. Whether they were learning a new rhythm, practicing vocal harmonies, or experimenting with unfamiliar instruments, campers embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity.

The week concluded with a wonderful performance for family and friends, showcasing everything the students had learned. The concert featured choir performances, keyboard and guitar ensembles, vocal small groups, instrumental solos, rhythm demonstrations, and several fun group selections.

Highlights from the concert included:

-The energetic MACA Chant performed to the rhythm of We Will Rock You
-Keyboard students performing "Ode to Joy"
-Guitar students performing "Happy Birthday"
-Vocal performances of "Hit the Road Jack" and "In Jesus Name"
-Instrumental performances featuring flute, saxophone, euphonium, and bucket drums
-A Solfege demonstration of "Do Re Mi"
-Choir performances of "If I Were a Fish," "Sing Your Song," and "Cuppa Cappuccino"

Charlie Hicks reflected on the week by saying, "We had an excellent group of students. They were totally engaged with every activity we had prepared for them. They joyfully worked very hard all week. They were a joy and a blessing to work with."

The Youth Music Enrichment Camp once again demonstrated that music is about far more than notes and rhythms. It encourages creativity, builds confidence, develops teamwork, and creates lasting friendships.

Several students and parents shared that they were already looking forward to next year's camp. Such a wonderful testament to the positive experience created by our instructors, volunteers, and community partners.

MACA is grateful to SafePath for partnering with us to make these enriching summer opportunities possible for the youth of Monroe County.