Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts will present a Fun With Music Camp July 11-16. The camp is staffed by NSU music education students and directed by Assistant Professor of Music Education Dr. Sharon Joy. It affords children the opportunity to interact with many aspects of music in a relaxed, camp-like atmosphere. Held at NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), the campers participate in musical games, instrumental activities, singing and many creative musical experiences. Each day’s activities center around a theme, which include a trip to a different continent, the seashore, or a camping adventure. Everything begins when the children pass through the “Summer Portal” as they sing the Fun With Music Camp “Traveling” song.
They circulate in age-based groups to the instrument/craft room, where they learn about a family of instruments and build their own. Other activity areas include creative music activities, in which the children create a song, perform in an Orff ensemble or participate in creative drama experiences.
During the week they participate in a drum circle and a mock campfire. Last year, the children marched in a “Fourth of July Parade,” and learned a few marching band steps.
Each summer is a bit different, but every day ends with a sing-along jamboree that leads up to the final day’s Grand Jamboree. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend, and campers are given songsheets to take home with them.
“Music is such an important part of childhood. It provides a creative outlet, socialization and language development,” said Joy. “There are few opportunities for children to participate in group singing of the folk songs that are such an enriching aspect of our American culture. It would be ideal if every elementary school in Natchitoches Parish had a music specialist, but that is not the case at the present. We aim, in some small way, to offer these precious music experiences to our area children. The songs that they learn at camp can be enjoyed with their families. I have had parents tell me that their children continue singing these camp songs throughout the year and look forward to returning each summer.”
The musical experiences that these children have at camp may motivate them to choose to learn to play an instrument or sing in a choir in the future. But more importantly, it will instill an awareness of the joy of music that can make life sweeter, and everyone can use a little more of that.
The camp is open to children ages 5-11. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until noon. The fee is $140 per student. A sibling discount is available. Snacks and materials will be provided.
This is the third year of the camp and last year 25 children from Natchitoches Parish attended.
For additional information contact Sharon Joy at joys@nsula.edu or (318) 357-5754.