Published: June 15, 2009 07:47 am      

Spirit Kids Music Camp draws 65 budding musicians

Youngsters learn music traditions on the banks of the Suwannee

More than 65 budding musicians from Miami to Lancaster, S.C. spent three exciting days last month at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. These future keepers of the traditions of old time music had the time of their young lives learning to play mandolins, guitars, fiddles, African drums and banjos in a music camp designed to keep the tradition of bluegrass and country music flowing.

Most the students had never picked up an instrument nor played in a concert three days after classes began. But all learned to play enough to participate in the Sunday afternoon concert that amazed not only their parents, but often times the young musicians themselves. Each student went home with newfound confidence that showed on each beaming face after the concert when they received accolades from the audience.

Held May 29-31 with all volunteer teachers, the free Spirit Kids Music Camp is a quarterly event sponsored by the SOSMP in an effort to keep alive the tradition of playing such instruments as fiddles, banjos, mandolins, guitar and African drums. SOSMP CEO/President James Cornett believes that without interest from today’s young people to learn the music that has been passed down for generations, the traditions could one day die out. The Cornett family has long believed that today’s youth are the answer to tomorrow’s festivals that will be held at the SOSMP. The Cornett family’s deep concern to keep tradition alive led to the establishment of the music camp several years ago and they remain committed to the concept.

Camp director is Charley Dame, who also teaches and organizes the event four times each year. Three of the instructors, Kelsey Schlegal-fiddle, Ashley Schlegal-guitar and Brian Samuels-drums, are former students of the camp who now return to teach others.

Dame points out that children’s learning abilities and interpersonal skills are enhanced by the event, they get to choose from a selection of songs what to perform, instruments are provided for those who don’t have one for camp and there’s lots of fun other than learning music such as games and a parent/student chicken dinner on Saturday night.

Dame said future plans call for week-long summer camps for more intense study for advanced students and also an after school program from September - May at some point.

The next Spirit Kids Music Camp is Aug. 14-16. Students may sign up now by calling the SOSMP at 386-364-1683 or emailing spirit@musicliveshere.com. To learn more about the program, go the SOSMP Web site at musicliveshere.com.

Remember, classes are free, but parents must be on SOSMP property during class.