Not your typical band camp
Kids who want to be rock starts get their chance at DayJams
By Jennifer Alfred 07/23/2009
What kid wouldn’t want to be a rock star when they grow up? The idea of intense fame, huge fortune and devoted fans — not to mention making amazing music — is certainly alluring to most. But why wait until you’ve grown up to experience the excitement of being in a band?
At DayJams, a one- to two-week summer music camp that starts Monday in Pasadena, kids from age 8 to 15 are given the chance to play for a real rock band, get lessons from professional musicians, collaborate on writing original music and then play it onstage for a live audience.
So even if aspiring musicians come with no musical knowledge, they’ll be rocking out in a week or two to their own tunes with bandmates of a similar skill level.
On the first day of camp, future stars are organized into groups according to their musical ability, age and interests. For example, a 14-year-old bass player into the Red Hot Chili Peppers wouldn’t be put in a band with a 9-year-old drummer who likes the Jonas Brothers. And instructors promise that the chances for disagreements and band breakups are slim-to-none.
“There’s always a surprise on Monday as to who will show up, but the kids are very kind to each other. They do everything as a band,” said DayJams Executive Director Katrin Hall. “When the kids are on stage they are all gracious to each other and I’ve never seen anyone afraid to perform.”
Fostering creativity is also key. “We don’t do cover tunes. They have to write their own song to perform at the end of the week,” said Hall.
Since National Guitar Workshop founders David Smolover and Nat Gunod created DayJams 10 years ago, camps have sprung up in more than 20 locations around the country. At the Pasadena camp, taking place at New Horizons School, participants can train for one or two weeks in guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocal and keyboards.
The experience is far different from the average teenage garage band that does more sitting around than practicing, promises keyboard instructor and LA-area DayJams Director Joseph John. “The kids develop a closer relationship with their instruments. They gain the ability to work in a group and be patient with each other while having a good time. Parents will be sure to support the band,” he said.
DayJams sessions take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays from July 27 to July 31 and continue Aug. 3 through 7. Tuition is $620 for one week or $1,180 for two, but need-based scholarships are available (download forms on line). Call (800) 259-5956 or visit dayjams.com.
At DayJams, a one- to two-week summer music camp that starts Monday in Pasadena, kids from age 8 to 15 are given the chance to play for a real rock band, get lessons from professional musicians, collaborate on writing original music and then play it onstage for a live audience.
So even if aspiring musicians come with no musical knowledge, they’ll be rocking out in a week or two to their own tunes with bandmates of a similar skill level.
On the first day of camp, future stars are organized into groups according to their musical ability, age and interests. For example, a 14-year-old bass player into the Red Hot Chili Peppers wouldn’t be put in a band with a 9-year-old drummer who likes the Jonas Brothers. And instructors promise that the chances for disagreements and band breakups are slim-to-none.
“There’s always a surprise on Monday as to who will show up, but the kids are very kind to each other. They do everything as a band,” said DayJams Executive Director Katrin Hall. “When the kids are on stage they are all gracious to each other and I’ve never seen anyone afraid to perform.”
Fostering creativity is also key. “We don’t do cover tunes. They have to write their own song to perform at the end of the week,” said Hall.
Since National Guitar Workshop founders David Smolover and Nat Gunod created DayJams 10 years ago, camps have sprung up in more than 20 locations around the country. At the Pasadena camp, taking place at New Horizons School, participants can train for one or two weeks in guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocal and keyboards.
The experience is far different from the average teenage garage band that does more sitting around than practicing, promises keyboard instructor and LA-area DayJams Director Joseph John. “The kids develop a closer relationship with their instruments. They gain the ability to work in a group and be patient with each other while having a good time. Parents will be sure to support the band,” he said.
DayJams sessions take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays from July 27 to July 31 and continue Aug. 3 through 7. Tuition is $620 for one week or $1,180 for two, but need-based scholarships are available (download forms on line). Call (800) 259-5956 or visit dayjams.com.
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