NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Summer camp directors around the mid-state adjusted their programs because of COVID-19, including the leaders of FreqOut Virtual Music Camp.
Director Sarah Bandy runs the music and activism camp put on by Nashville nonprofit YEAH! or Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities. She said the July 6-10 camp will be totally virtual, however, campers can rent and pickup instruments at a contact-less checkout before the workshops start.
"We use music as a tool for empowerment for kids," said Sarah Bandy.
Former camper Lola Petillo, 14, is leading drum courses this year for the first time.
"The drums, guitar and singing is just a great way of expressing yourself," said Lola Petillo.
Petillo is anxious about the virtual format, but is reassuring campers there has been a lot of thought put into the camp schedule.
"We made a lesson play about all the days of the week. We're teaching how to play different genres of music, how to make beats to different songs, how to read sheet music and whatever the campers want to learn. We'll teach them that too," Petillo said.
Campers learn about activism and discuss current events in addition to music education.
"The most important thing I think is getting kids together talking and investigating themselves and the world around them. We think it is really important for kids to talk to each other and use their voice because they have so much to say and so often they are not amplified in the way they deserve," Bandy said.
Registration is open for FreqOut which is for kids 10-17. Kids 5-10 can enroll in Ready to Rock Camp. Scholarships are available for those unable to attend due to financial barriers. Find out more at yeahrocks.org.
