Students at Camp Jam get instruction from music professionals.
Local kids are getting ready to rock this summer.
Registration is open for Camp Jam Orange County, a rock music day camp for kids to be held at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar.
“From playing techniques to stage presence, Camp Jam’s variety of classes will turn the bedroom player into a bona fide rock star,” said camp spokesperson Erica Stephens.
The camp lets kids work with camp co-founder Jeff Carlisi, lead guitarist for .38 Special, Derek St. Holmes, vocalist and guitarist for Ted Nugent, and Liberty DeVitto, drummer for Billy Joel.
The camp was founded in 1994 by Carlisi and Danny Lipson, a guitarist for Vintage Red.
Kids who play any instrument, sing or are interested in other aspects of music, like audio and video, can “unleash their inner rock star” at the camp, according to the website.
The kids will be taught by professionals in the music industry: Carlisi, St. Holmes and DeVitto, as well as Jennifer Batten, guitarist for Michael Jackson, and Richard Fortus, guitarist for Guns-n-Roses.
“Students… (will also learn) from each other by developing teamwork skills that apply to all aspects of life,” Stephens said.
Students rehearse, record and perform like rock stars during the curriculum based camp programs.
The young rockers are offered a variety of classes and teaches them what it is like to play in a real rock band. The camp has different levels of classes so each child is placed in classes suitable for their skill level.
The camp offers classes that develop creativity, instrument skill, and stage presence. The kids will also learn to work together, gain self confidence and get stage experience.
“(The camp) give(s) rockers valuable knowledge they can translate into an awesome performance,” according to the website.
A guest celebrity will also make an appearance during a master class about being a team member. Classes will also feature DeVitto, Ed King, guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ed Roland, vocalist for Collective Soul, Peter Stroud, guitarist for Sheryl Crow and Don Henley, among many others.
Campers will first meet and be evaluated by the instructors, to determine each students skill level, style and other details. After some instruction and a “break the ice jam” by the instructors, the campers will then be grouped up into bands and decide their band name as well as the song they will be performing. They then dive right into rehearsal.
Camp is broken up into two parts, morning and afternoon schedules. In the morning, the kids will learn basic theory and playing techniques in instrument-specific groups. They will also get to rehearse in live and unplugged ensemble
The afternoon is more instrument instruction that covers different styles, techniques and gear. Kids will also get together with their bands to listen to recordings, rehearse and classes on songwriting, improvising, ear training, and unplugged acoustic sessions.
“Camp Jam Instruction draws from the Rock Solid instructional series facilitating learning and helping students understand the concepts behind the songs they have chosen to play,” according to the website.
When time for band practice comes around, the kids get to work in a volume-controlled ensemble room with mixers, headphones and other professional equipment. They also get to use control amplifiers, vocal microphones and other stage gear. Teachers will give feedback, help with difficult sections and chart the band’s progress.
The goal for the students is the end of the week concert, performed in front of a live audience.
The concert allows the kids to show off the new techniques they learned and work as a team. Some bands even wear special stage gear, according to the website.
According to the website, the faculty to student ratio is always at or below 6-to-1.
“Interactive songwriting sessions help (the student) musicians tap into their own creativity,” Stephens said. “There’s nothing more fun than being able to sit down with any kind of musician and (start) a jam, and that’s what these classes are all about.”
Campers must have at least six months experience on their instrument, as well as some other requirements for Camp Jam. For dates, locations and registration, and more information visit www.campjam.com.
