FeedsProgram seeks young, budding musicians
Teens who dream of a life on stage as a member of talented rock band could find their niche in Westland next week.
Beginning on Monday, the Westland Department of Parks and Recreation will host So You Want to be a Rock Star, a week-long summer camp designed to give students in grades five-eight a crash course on how to succeed as a rock musician.
They shouldn’t expect to spend their time practicing their Mick Jagger strut or designing the perfect stage outfits, though. It is the music itself that forms the backbone of the program, which is staffed by professional music teachers determined to help young musicians take their music to the next level.
“It’s very intense,“ said Mike Smokovitz, a fulltime music teacher with the Berkley Music Co. as well as one of the instructors for the So You Want to be a Rock Star camp. “They have three days to learn however many songs. It really challenges their abilities, but it’s rewarding to see what these kids can do in just a few days time.”
He added that the performers will be evaluated on the first day and then included into two or more bands based upon their qualifications. On the final day of the camp, students will perform a concert for their friends and families.
Just as important as the music itself, he said, the camp is designed to help teach would-be band members how cooperate with others both individually and as a group, how to deal with difficult people, how to network with other musicians to start a band, and how to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
“Really, we try to teach them how to communicate and how to work together as a band,” he said. “We encourage the children to mingle together and start bands. We’ve had quite a few students go on to form a band together.”
Smokovitz added that the interpersonal communication skills the students learn could pay off for years to come in all aspects of their lives.
The program is available to students who have at least some basic experience on the guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, or as vocalists.
“They don’t have to be able to read notes,” Smokovitz said. “A little really goes a long way. Usually as long as they can play a few songs—even basic ones—they know enough to be able to benefit from it.”
The program has been offered in communities throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area for the past two years. It will take place in Westland from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug.14-18. Cost for the program is $187 per person and pre-registration is required. For more information, call Smokehouse Music at (734) 968-9826 or Westland Parks and Recreation at (734) 722-7620.
