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Neighbors
June 21 - July 4, 2014
www.SanTanSun.com
DIRECTORY City of Chandler Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
ROCK: The School of Rock, with campuses in Scottsdale and Ahwatukee, offers lessons in vocals and instruments for kids as young as 8. In summer camps, children learn everything from the basics of rock ‘n’ roll to advanced skills like songwriting.. Submitted photo
Your kids rock, so let them hit the stage BY KIMBERLY HOSEY Is your kid rocking out in the kitchen? Stage diving from the couch? Maybe it’s time they hit the stage for real. Two Valley day camps offer the opportunity to do just that, and provide kids with solid musical training at the same time. The Scottsdale School of Rock at 13610 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale and Ahwatukee School of Rock at 4645 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, are part of a nationwide group of campuses known for taking kids from all skill levels and musical backgrounds and making them into bona fide stage performers. Advanced students even perform at professional venues like the Crescent Ballroom, playing everything from The Beatles, The Who and Pink Floyd to Jimi Hendrix and Boston. The prevailing philosophy at the School of Rock is that the best way to learn music is to play music—so they get kids rocking out as soon as possible. “It’s amazing to watch these young musicians come in and know nothing on day one, and they are playing a rock show by the end of the week,” said Alexis Hernandez, guitar instructor and
School of Rock camp director. In addition to robust music lessons, the school instills confidence in kids as they learn to find their own styles and be comfortable in their own skin. Through instruction, practice, activities such as making posters and performance, kids learn lessons in music and in life. The most popular camp is the school’s Rock 101 Camp. The introductory camp gives students a taste of performance without the stage fright—a perfect opportunity to get comfortable on stage and with their instruments in a lowpressure environment. Staff members guide new musicians through everything from learning notes and rock tunes to performing their signature stage moves. The camp is offered to students who want to play guitar, bass, keys, drums and vocals. Building on the social environment of music making, Rock 101 also brings its “senior” students in on the instruction, allowing them to share the stage with newcomers and lead by example, as musicians seasoned and fresh build confidence with each performance. Rock 101 Camp still has openings for the week of July 14 to 18 at both
locations. The Ahwatukee campus is also still accepting students for its Songwriting and Recording Camp set for July 7 to July 11. The more advanced day camp is perfect for students with more than a year of experience who are looking to continue to grow and branch out in their musical training. The camp, for ages 10 and older, is geared toward students who have experience on their instruments, but who need guidance and tools to start writing music. Students will learn chord theory and will cover different song structures and musical styles, regardless of their musical knowledge or background. The course culminates with recorded samples of the students’ own music that they take home. Students for both camps meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Camps are $400 for the week. Visit www.scottsdale.schoolofrock.com/ camp-signup for Scottsdale camps, or call (480) 483-7625. Visit www. ahwatukee.schoolofrock.com/campsignup for Ahwatukee camps, or call (480) 753-3266.
WHEN: Mon., June 2, through Fri., July 18; Seven sessions WHERE: Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd.; Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd. COST: $116-$128 full-day/resident, $157-$173 nonresident per session; $53-$87 half-day/resident, $72-118 nonresident per session. INFO: Community Center, Manny Padia (480) 782-2746, manuel.padia@chandleraz.gov; Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Abel Mendoza (480) 782-2912, abel. mendoza@chandleraz.gov; and Snedigar Recreation Center, Susan Richardson (480) 782-2641, susan. richardson@chandleraz.gov; www. chandleraz.gov/registration. Chandler youth camps provide a fun and engaging camp for kids. Activities vary by location: sports, games, arts and crafts, skits, computers, cooking, computers and science discovery.
Boys and Girls Club of East Valley WHEN: 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday WHERE: Various East Valley locations COST: Less than $100 per week INFO: 480-820-3688; www. clubzona.org Summer program offers fun, safe activities at 10 East Valley locations, including Chandler and Gilbert.
YMCA Summer Camp 2014 WHEN: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Mon., May 26, through Fri., Aug 1; Multiple sessions WHERE: Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd., Chandler COST: $130 per session full member; $140 per session program member INFO: Brittany Gaitan, (602) 2126104, bgaitan@vosymca.org, www. valleyymca.org Ages 5-12. Swimming, fitness activities, arts and crafts, field trips and sport clinics. Themed sessions planned throughout the summer.
Gymnastics, Games, Bounce Houses, Swimming, Water Slide, Crafts, Trampolines, Special Guests and More!
PLAN YOUR SUMMER NOW & keep your kids active Basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, >ÀV iÀÞ] Û iÞL> ] w i ` ë ÀÌà MAY 27 - AUGUST 8 £ Üii ÃiÃà à ± Õ E > v `>Þ ÝÌi `i` >Ài ± č}ià {¤ £Î HUBBARDSPORTS.COM | 602.971.4044
ASPIRE SUMMER CAMPS
10 weeks (May 26-Aug 1) Full and half day available Different theme 480-820-3774 every week! www.aspirekidsports.com
50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler — 1 Block W. of Chandler Fashion Center