Even though actor Jack Black wasn’t present, the music was still rockin’ at the Michigan State University Community Music School’s first ever School of Rock Camp.
The week-long camp, directed by the Grand Rapids-based rock band, The Outer Vibe, culminated with a performance by the campers at Common Ground Music Festival July 10.
Not only did the 29 campers learn how to hone their talents in a band, they also learned the promotional and marketing aspects of being in a band.
“The goal is to have the kids be able to leave the camp and have the knowledge to make their own band happen,” said Lisa Kacos, member of The Outer Vibe and MSU Master’s student. “Whether they stick with the band they meet here or whether they get their friends together and say ‘I know how to start a band, let’s do it.’ But we really just want them to go out and do it themselves.”
13-year-old camper Matt Shaw was one of the campers who said music is his passion and learned a lot from the camp.
“I think it’s important, to like, come to these places because I’m really open and I like to meet new people and see what other people are doing,” he said. “I’ve learned so many new songs from the people here already.”
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