Registration for music camps now open to kids of all ages

Registration for music camps now open to kids of all ages

Photo by David Long

Shepherd School alumnus Matt McClung, left, teaches some children how to create their own percussion instruments and use them to make sounds. Music day-camps for children of all ages are now open for registration.

In addition to the day-camp sessions offered in previous summers, the Shepherd School of Music will debut three new week-long sessions for children to explore their musical imaginations.

• Session II for 4- to 6-year-olds (June 6-10) Graduate students Kristen Bruya and Brian Nelson will introduce children to an international assortment of instruments, recorded music and composition.

• Session V for 7- to 9-year-olds (June 13-17) Shepherd School alumnus Matt McClung will lead the children as they compose their own music, write songs and develop a musical drama. Camp participants will finish the weeklong session with the pride of performing something they’ve created themselves.

• Session VI for 10- to 12-year-olds (June 20-24) McClung will offer a more focused exploration of the fundamentals of percussion, including stroke, tempo, rhythm, movement and active listening.

All of the camp sessions include hands-on, interactive activities designed to encourage children in their musical creativity and teach them about the science of sound.

Various sessions for children ages 2 and up will be held throughout the month of June. For a complete listing of summer day-camp sessions at the Shepherd School, visit <www.ruf.rice.edu/~musi/preparatory/day_camps2005.html> or contact Virginia Nance, the preparatory program administrator, at 713-348-5753.