Sycamore Classical Choir Camp gives students chance to learn harmonies, perform together
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STEUBENVILLE -- Young singers at the Sycamore Youth Center spent a week learning how to blend their voices, sing in harmony and perform together as part of the Sycamore Classical Choir Camp, one of 26 free summer camps being offered through the center this year.
The five-day camp took place June 29 through July 4 and was designed to introduce children to choir singing, including students who might have never participated in a choir before. Throughout the week, campers learned a variety of songs featuring harmonies, with selections including patriotic music and folk songs. The camp concluded with a short performance on the final day, allowing students to showcase what they had learned during the week.
The camp was led by Zac Gordon, Jariel Gordon and Grace McKeegan, who guided students through daily rehearsals lasting an hour and a half each day. In addition to helping students develop musical skills, the camp gave them an opportunity to build confidence, learn to work together and experience the joy of making music as a group.
“Many of the students came into camp with little or no choir experience, so it was exciting to watch them grow more comfortable and confident as the week went on,” said Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center. “By the end of camp, they were singing together beautifully and enjoying the experience of creating music as a team.”
The choir camp is part of Sycamore’s larger summer camp initiative, which is providing 26 free camps for area children and teens this summer. The camps are designed to give students access to educational, creative, faith-based and recreational opportunities in a safe and encouraging environment, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Several additional Sycamore camps are still to come this summer, including a sign language camp, a cosmetology camp and the Sycamore Summer Fun Camp. The Summer Fun Camp has already attracted 120 students and will offer a vacation Bible school-style experience combined with STEM activities.
Bauman said the summer camps reflect the mission of the Sycamore Youth Center to create meaningful opportunities for children to learn, explore their interests and build positive relationships.
“We want kids to be able to try new things, discover gifts they may not have realized they had and have a fun, memorable summer in a place where they are encouraged and cared for,” Bauman said. “We are thankful for the instructors, volunteers and supporters who help make these camps possible.”
The Sycamore Youth Center, located in Steubenville, serves hundreds of children and teens each week through after-school programs, mentoring, meals, tutoring and enrichment opportunities.
For information about Sycamore’s summer camps or to register for upcoming programs, visit sycamorecenter.com.