Ready, set, rock ’n’ roll.
For the first time, middle school and high school students will be working with Grand Rapids-based band The Outer Vibe for the School of Rock Camp. The camp started Monday and will end Friday, with the cost to participate in the camp at $120.
“The idea came out from community interest,” said Amanda Darche, a grant writer and communications coordinator for the MSU College of Music.
After a couple of professors saw music theory masters student Lisa Kacos’ band play, they asked if they would partner with the MSU community and school and teach at a music camp.
“It’s an honor and it should be a lot of fun,” said Jeff Brems, drummer for The Outer Vibe. “We all love working with kids.”
Band members will divide the children into small bands before working with them in individual instrumental groups. The different workshops are meant to give the campers individual attention, as well as teach students how to promote their band, book shows and write songs.
“A lot of bands have a hard time,” said Kacos, trumpet, keyboard and keytar player for The Outer Vibe. “Some think when the going gets tough, you can’t stick through it. We want them to know it can work and the band can get better all the time.”
Throughout the nine years of being a band, The Outer Vibe has gone through the ups and downs other bands experience.
“We learned how to make it on our own,” Kacos said. “I think we’re a strong band because of it.”
Brems said The Outer Vibe is a good influence for kids and are good to look up to.
“There are a lot of bands who are rock ’n’ roll but are not a positive influence,” Brems said. “We don’t get drunk on stage, cuss in lyrics — we’re a good influence.”
After a week of learning about music and how to be successful in the business, campers will perform with The Outer Vibe at the Common Ground Music Festival on Friday.
“We are lucky to have a two-hour slot,” Brems said. “(The kids) can show off what they’ve learned, promote their band and play with us on stage.”
Kacos said she’s looking forward to the School of Rock Camp because of how it hopefully will impact the students’ lives.
“I think it’s going to be a blast working with kids, doing what we love as teachers and instructors and watching them learn,” Kacos said. “I’m hoping it will go well so that we can do it again.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
