Recently received this press release about a summer camp for kids that’s all about music. It’s called Camp Jam and looks pretty interesting. Please check the information below.

Houston?s First Camp Jam Session Kicks Off July 11

Camp Jam’s Summer 2005 Houston programs will offer three consecutive one-week sessions, starting July 11, 2005. The registration fee for one 5-day session is $495, and significant multi-week discounts are available as the majority of attendees sign up for multiple sessions. Secured online registration is also available at Camp Jam’s official website or by calling toll free at 1-800-409-8389.

Camp Jam is the creation of Jeff Carlisi, a founding member of platinum selling act .38 Special and one of rock music’s celebrated guitarists/songwriters, and his longtime friend and business associate Dan Lipson. Together, the two created Camp Jam as a place for young, aspiring bands, musicians and vocalists to get out of their garages during the summer break and hone their rock’n’roll chops while getting insiders’ access to the music business directly from the people who live it everyday: professional musicians, songwriters, bands, A&R reps and industry veterans.

Over the course of the inaugural sessions held in Atlanta last summer, teenagers from across America and as far away as Germany and Saudi Arabia descended upon Camp Jam, formed rock bands and dedicated at least one week to mastering musicianship and learning the true art of rock performance. In its first year, Camp Jam drew rave reviews from attendees and their parents and extensive national media coverage from outlets such as NBC Nightly News, CNN, MSNBC, L.A. Times, People and Time.

In bringing Camp Jam to Texas for the first time, Carlisi noted, “Texas has an incredible depth of young talent and has been a driving force in music, from great rock artists going back to Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Janis Joplin and Stevie Ray Vaughan, to music events like SXSW. Camp Jam in Houston will offer the perfect environment for kids of all levels of experience?beginner to advanced?who want to develop their skills as players and performers and realize now is the time to learn about how the music industry works.”

Camp Jam features individualized instruction in guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and vocals; all of which is provided by experienced, professional instructors and with access to top-of-the-line musical gear provided by both Peavey and Yamaha. Each day after instruction, attendees head to an elective “study” of their choice, with options such as a songwriting clinic, an open mic showcase, a class on performance skills, and a course in audio engineering and production that will teach students how to take a song idea and produce a basic demo. Camp Jam also features “Master Classes” that consist of guest appearances from notable music industry professionals and artists who will share firsthand accounts of life in the music business. At Camp Jam in 2004, appearances were made by noted performers, including Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto, and industry pioneers like rock radio personality and executive Leslie Fram.

Encouraging those already in a band to sign up as a group, Camp Jam will also match individuals not already in a band with other campers based on age and ability, all under the direction of a professional mentor. Band members will learn fundamentals of practice with a group and rehearsal techniques, as well as songwriting and recording. On the camp’s final day, Camp Jam will host a Friday night rock concert featuring all camp bands performing for their friends and family a song of their choice live on stage in the campus auditorium.

I found this info on the Camp Jam website:

Whether you’re a beginner or an accomplished player, Camp Jam has a program for you. Musicians (aged 11-17) will receive individualized instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or vocals from professional instructors. Every day is packed full with individualized instruction in a state-of-the-art studio setting, where young musicians can develop at their own level.

Camp Jam offers aspiring young musicians an opportunity to explore self-expression and gain confidence in a fun learning environment. Not only will they meet and interact with other young musicians, but they also are given unique access to music professionals who share their experience and knowledge to help them understand some of the options open to them in the music industry.

Camp Jam will offer a variety of electives that will allow campers to pick and choose what activity best suits their needs. Similar to taking an elective in college, they may choose a class that teaches a specific skill such as digital recording or how to maintain their instrument.

Beats tennis or church choir camp, no? Sign your kid up.

Now Playing in My iPod: Innaway — self-titled