Middle and high school students attending the Michigan State University Community Music School’s School of Rock Camp this summer will have some unique opportunities made possible through partnerships with the Common Ground Music Festival and Best Buy.
The camp runs July 6-10. July 10 rock camp participants will perform on stage, alongside members of “The Outer Vibe,” at the Common Ground Music Festival.
“We are thrilled to offer local students a wonderful opportunity to learn from extraordinary musicians,” said Rhonda Buckley, associate dean for outreach and engagement and executive director of the Community Music School. “Common Ground is doing just what its name implies, bringing us all together on common ground.”
“The Outer Vibe” is leading the camp, which is geared towards students ages 12-18 with some experience playing the guitar, drums, keyboard, bass, or vocals. Students will work with the five-member Grand Rapids band to improve their technique and to learn about creating, performing in, and promoting their own rock bands.
The use of instruments and equipment for the camp will be donated by Best Buy, and several Best Buy employees will donate time to the camp.
“The opportunities envisioned for the Common Ground Music Festival and the attendees of the School of Rock Camp will be the chance of a lifetime,” said Kevin Meyer, festival director for Common Ground Music Festival. “We, along with the MSU Community Music School, are delighted to help enrich the lives of musically inclined students in the Lansing community.”
Common Ground Music Festival will also include two tickets for one festival day for each youth enrolled in the camp. Additionally, performing artists from Common Ground Music Festival will be invited to serve as guest speakers or clinicians at the School of Rock Camp at the Community Music School.
The School of Rock Camp is a half-day camp. Camp enrollment is $120. Space is still available. Interested students should contact the Community Music School at (517) 355-7661 or visit www.cms.msu.edu. To learn more about “The Outer Vibe” visit www.theoutervibe.com.
Common Ground Music Festival is a seven-day celebration including nightly concerts, a variety of fun family entertainment and an assortment of food vendors. Anyone interested in volunteering at Common Ground Music Festival can contact the festival office at (517) 267-1502, ext. 202. For more detailed information about Common Ground Music Festival, log on to the official web site at www.commongroundfest.com.
Founded in 1993, the Community Music School is the outreach division of the MSU College of Music. The mission of CMS is to provide comprehensive music education – quality instruction, related music services, and educational programs – for interested individuals of all ages and levels with financial assistance for those in need.
For more information, visit www.cms.msu.edu/ or call (517) 355-7661.
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