Voices in the Laurel to host virtual summer music camp with nationally recognized instructors

Announcement from Voices in the Laurel:

Voices in the Laurel Youth Choirs is accepting registration for their annual music camp. This year’s theme is “Be the Change,” with many changes in the format of the activities. Covid 19 has forced many changes in the way things are done all over the world. Recent racial tensions have inspired a call for change in human relations. In response to these changes in the world, Voices in the Laurel Youth Choirs is providing a dynamic, fun, and affordable virtual music camp for children going into 1s t – 12th grades who love music! Rising 6t h – 12th graders will have camp July 20 – 24, from 10 am – Noon on Zoom. Then, Be the Change Camp for rising 1s t – 5th graders will be July 27 – 31 from 10 am – Noon on Zoom.

This year’s campers will experience 3 – 4 activities each day, including an opening game and music reading, learning an exciting new song, instrument making, playing rhythm instruments, and music recreation activities that use drum sticks. The most exciting feature of this year’s camp is that we will have a different special guest instructor each day. Each guest is a nationally known expert in his or her field, and has something very special to offer. We are excited to welcome Jacob Narverud, a nationally known composer based in New York who is an active guest conductor for district, regional and national honor choirs across the country. Dr. Narverud wrote our theme song, Be the Change, which has an infectious world music sound, and its text encourages the breaking down of cultural barriers and standing for justice. He will share his inspiration for writing this popular choral piece. Be the Change w as featured at the American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Honor Choir in March. Dr. Narverud has rewritten the choral parts into two-part harmony just for Voices in the Laurel’s music camp. When it is published, it will include a dedication to Voices in the Laurel for our 25t h Anniversary.

Another guest will be Maria Ellis, Founding Conductor of the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Gallery City of Music All-Star Chorus in St. Louis, Missouri. An African American conductor, her work centers around her belief that “music is a powerful tool that unites us all.” The middle and high school age singers will have gospel vocal technique lessons. With our 1s t – 5th grade singers, she will be reading a book from the library she supplies for her choir, and lead them in a song. In addition, Melissa Keylock, composer and associate conductor of the North Coast Singers in San Diego, California, will join the Be the Change Camp as a guest. Ms. Keylock is the former director of the Princeton Girlchoir, and worked with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. She is a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor, who infused yoga into her choral rehearsals. She has received national attention for her work that combines yoga and music, and will teach one of her sessions at our virtual camp for both age groups. A more local guest will be Ron Whittemore of Fletcher, North Carolina. Mr. Whittemore is a voiceover professional, having been featured in commercials for Disney World and Disney Cruise Lines, McDonalds, Verizon Wireless, Food Lion, Wendy’s, Subway, and Sony, just to name a few. His is a former music teacher, and an Emcee at The Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove. Ron will be working with the campers on the use of their speaking voice, and the help of a local recording studio, will direct them in creating a commercial. Finally, there will be a very special surprise guest from Disney.

In response to financial difficulties caused by Covid 19, Voices in the Laurel will offer this year’s SummerVoice Music Camp: Be the Change, for $25. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/2ByLzzX or call (828)699-4005.