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TOP BROOKLYN MUSICIANS OFFER 5-DAY INTENSIVE ROCK CAMPS

Brooklyn, NY – THE GOWANUS MUSIC CLUB is a music program for kids ages 8 to 17 that encourages members to explore all aspects of being a recording and performing musician. This summer, the GMC is offering three five-day immersions into the world of rock and roll. The intensives run from July 5 - July 9, July 19 - July 23 and August 2 - August 6. The rock camps will take place at Complete Music Studios in Prospect Heights. The days run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a break for lunch from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. Each session will culminate with a performance at The Bell House in the Gowanus neighborhood, on the Sundays following the end of each rock camp (7/11, 7/25 and 8/8).

Josh Margolis (Executive Director) and Tracy Bonham (Artistic Director) are part of a professional community of musicians with a diverse musical history that is invaluable to young musicians. “As kids, we were lucky enough to have great musical mentors,” says Bonham. “Now, we want to mentor, so that the younger generations can benefit in the same ways we did.” In addition to Margolis and Bonham, teachers at the GMC hail from Brazil and Jamaica. Students will gain exposure not only to Classic Rock, but also to R&B, Reggae and Alternative. GMC’s goal is for students to emerge from the experience as well-rounded musicians who are able to play in a variety of group situations.

The students will be divided into bands depending on their skill levels and specific interests. On the first day, we will begin with a meet and greet followed by organizing the students into bands of specific genres, taking into account each one’s chief interest. Students will be asked to make suggestions as to song selection and the instructors will recommend songs as well. Chord charts for the songs will be written with the guidance of the instructors. On days two, three, and four, the focus will remain on learning the songs and individual parts. The charts will eventually be removed so that students learn to commit the songs to memory. The final day will be dedicated to refining the arrangements and adding the performance element. While on stage, students will learn how to interact with each other as well as the audience. Students will perform live for friends and family in an all-ages afternoon concert at a great Brooklyn venue.

GOWANUS MUSIC CLUB offers kids an experience they simply cannot receive in school. The group dynamic of a rock band fosters good communication skills, develops focus and exercises concentration. The rock camp allows students to meet peers who share interests and ultimately work toward a common goal. As anyone who has seen Jack Black in Richard Linklater’s “School of Rock” knows, the power of being in a band can be transformative. But more importantly, it’s a blast.

5 Day Rock Camp $525 - Sign up now!