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Putting the AMP in CAMP: Rock 'n' Roll Camps for Girls
Hannah Spector, 07.22.08
No prior experience with an instrument is required, only a love for music. |
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Do you sing at the top of your lungs in the shower? Does your hairbrush secretly double as a microphone? Do you play a mean solo on your air guitar, or do you own an instrument that you wish you could play better? Have you already picked out your DJ or MC name?
Being a musician doesn't have to be a dream. This is the lesson that the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls teaches.
Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Just for Boys
The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls started in Portland, Oregon, in 2001, with the mission to create a nurturing creative space for young, aspiring female musicians. Since then sister camps have been springing up all across the country.
You can find camps in
- Washington, DC
- Philadelphia, PA
- Brooklyn, NY
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Austin, TX
- Oakland, CA
- Atlanta, GA
- Columbus, OH
- Durham, NC
There are also camps in Canada, England, and even Sweden.
At the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, campers range in age from eight to 18. Each session lasts for one week, and during this week, girls discover their inner rock star and build their self-esteem. They learn about teamwork, taking risks socially and musically, and how to channel their creative energy.
All of the camps are nonprofit organizations. This means that all the money raised goes right back into making the camps better and providing financial aid for campers who can't afford the camp tuition.
Side A: Rock 'n' Roll
At the beginning of the camp sessions, each girl chooses an instrument and teams up with other campers to form a band. Professional women musicians teach the campers how to play their instruments and coach them in all things music: from forming a band and songwriting to touring and recording. No prior experience with an instrument is required, only a love for music.
Girls spend the week taking classes, attending workshops, and writing and practicing an original song. At the end of each session, bands perform their song to a packed audience of friends, family, rock stars, other budding musicians, and future fans.
Side B: More than Just Music
At the camp, students learn about more than just music. They attend workshops on self-defense, body image and identity, and music history. They even learn how to market their band by working with the press and making their own band merchandise, like buttons, zines, and T-shirts.
"You get to be loud and rambunctious," says Katherine, 19, a former camper who now interns for the Portland camp. "It really helped me to be more confident." Katherine formed her band Teeath at camp.
Rebel Girls
After camp, students return home to show their communities that young girls know how to rock! It's all about girl power, power chords, and empowerment.
Some of the bands stay together after camp. A great example is Blübird, made up of 14-year-olds Katie Alto and Úna Rose from Portland, OR. Their band has gone on to play more than 20 concerts and record a CD!
Care Bears on Fire, whose drummer, Izzy, attended New York's Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, has released two CDs, played countless concerts, and been featured in major music magazines.
Get Inspired
So you want to learn an instrument? You want to join a band? You're never too old or too young to start. It's a great way to express yourself, build your self confidence, and have fun with your friends.
Whether you teach yourself an instrument, take lessons, or attend one of the rock camps, remember, although it may not be easy at times, you can do it! "Don't be afraid, and don't think that you're alone!" says Marisa, the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls' artistic director.
Need some guidance? Watch Girls Rock! The Movie or read a book about how to start your own band.
So pump up the volume and practice your chords. Trade your hairbrush in for a real microphone. Record your lyrics and song ideas. Be fearless and creative and help show the world that girls rock! |
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