Another Amazing Week Of Rock Camp In The Books!
Well, it happened again last week. I helped host another wicked successful Rock Camp here in Bangor for the Maine Academy of Modern Music. The Bangor program is something we've been trying to really get off the ground for the last few years, and the last two summers, we've finally been able to pull it off.
We did one of these earlier this summer, and had a blast. 7 kids signed up for that one, and we got even more for this past week. In southern Maine, this program has existed for a number of years, and more than 1600 kids participate in some form or other, throughout the year. And Bangor has been consistently showing that it wants in on the action.
The thing that pretty much blows my mind every time, is how enthusiastic the kids are. When we showed up on Monday morning, no groups had been assigned, or songs chosen. By the time we wrapped up our final concert on Friday, my group had 8 songs! That's some serious motivation! And they chose everything from Stevie Wonder, to Band of Heathens... All over the map!
I also really have to give a shout out to Bangor's Parks & Rec Dept. They made it really easy for us to have our final concert outside in Westmarket Square, at what was kind of the last minute. And also to the businesses right in the vicinity, that not only didn't complain, but actually seemed to enjoy seeing the kids do their thing.
And the fun will continue. MAMM is going to kick off Saturday classes this fall. Of course, we'll give you all the sweet details when they become available. But, kids in Bangor will have a safe place to start a band and do some serious jamming in the coming weeks.
I'm so thrilled to be a part of this, and to promote playing music for kids. Playing music has been a part of my whole life, and it's never let me down once. And sometimes, people need that in their lives more than just about anything.