The DMMC is excited to announce a collaboration with the Des Moines Parks & Recreation department to host two music camps this summer for middle school-age students (ages 11 – 15 yrs.)! Working as a team, under the guidance of experienced, local musicians and educators, students will create music in a fun, creative environment. They’ll learn the skills needed to play in a band, write lyrics, record music and perform live! No prior music experience required.

The thoughtful and robust curriculum has been developed by leading music education specialist, Mary Anne Sims, who will also manage each camp. Working along the DMMC and DSM Parks & Rec team, she’s brought together several community partners and musicians to help shape the camp activities. This new summer camp joins other education-focused programs, developed by the DMMC like the Music University conference.  The DMMC also provided startup funding in 2013 to the inaugural Girls Rock! camp – which is now in its third year.

“Opportunities to support music education and programming for young students aligns with our mission to support and sustain a thriving music scene in central Iowa,” said Mike Thibodeau, DMMC board president. “It’s been fun to work alongside Mary Anne as she’s developed the camp activities and we’re excited to see it all come together for the kids.”

Each camp runs for two weeks (Mon. – Thurs. / 9 a.m. – Noon), located at Rails Academy at Lincoln High School in Des Moines. The first two-week camp, focusing on Rock /Pop will begin on Monday, June 15, 2015 – Thursday, June 25, 2015. The second two-week camp, focusing on Hip Hop will begin on Monday, July 13, 2015 – Thursday, July 23, 2015. All instructors and students will then come back together for a live performance at Simon Estes on Saturday, July 25!

Each camp is open to 24 students, $40 per student/per camp.

Pop / Rock Music Camp – register here

Ages: 11 -15 yrs.

When: Mon. 6/15 – Thurs. 6/13 (9 a.m. – Noon) & Mon. 6/22 – Thurs. 6/25 (9 a.m. – Noon)

Activities: brief history of rock & roll including iconic performances, intro to stage and mic technique, song structure/melody and songwriting, plus collaborate on a live performance.

Instructors: Patrick Tape Fleming, Scott Long, Chris Powell, Jeremy Alvarez & Ron DeWitte, Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member

Hip Hop Music Camp – register here

Ages: 11 – 15 yrs.

When: Mon. 7/13 – Thurs. 7/16 (9 a.m. – Noon) & Mon. 7/20 – Thurs. 7/23 (9 a.m. – Noon)

Activities: brief history of hip hop including iconic performances, intro to stage and mic technique, hip hop composition, live/electronic and beat creation, plus collaborate on a live performance.

Instructors: Larry Moore, MarKaus, DatDude Biggz

For more information, please email info@desmoinesmc.com.