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Kids Become Rock Stars at Cornerstone Summer Camp

By Esther Bower, IPR News | Published on in Education, Local News
Rock stars in the making. (Photo: Cornerstone on Facebook)

There’s a rhythm coming from the third floor of Muncie’s Cornerstone Center for the Arts this week, as some area kids are getting ready to rock.  As IPR’s Esther Bower reports, these kids are becoming rock stars … in just eight days.

Nearly 20 students are trading in their pens and paper for strings and songs. The Rock and Roll Summer Camp is an eight-day intensive camp where kids are meeting other musicians, strengthening their craft and kick starting their musical careers. Camp director, Christopher Swinney, has grown up with music flowing through his veins. After performing professionally with the multi-platinum band The Ataris and touring in Africa, Europe and South America, Swinney wanted to use his musical passion for more.

“I didn’t feel like I was making a difference. Maybe it sounds mushy now, but I want my work to kind of mean something. I have parents all the time tell me, this is the only place their kids feel normal.”

Ranging from beginner to advanced, the camp offers something for every level of artist. It’s Mackenzie Morris’s first time at the camp, and she has loved the freedom camp has given her.

“You’re not treated as a kid. You’re treated as a grown adult. It’s pretty nice being treated as equal.”

Swinney says it’s important to let students work with one another and learn on their own. This free spirit approach works for the camp because everyone is there for the same reason.

“In this situation where we have a common goal, and we look at Rock and Roll Summer Camp like a family, like a community, if you let the kids make their own calls, make their own decisions and show them that you care about their opinion, it works.”

During camp, students are doing more than just playing their instruments. They’re getting exposed to the ins and outs of the music profession. From song writing to networking, Swinney wants students to learn the profession sooner than he did. Now, campers are preparing for their Cornerstone concert on Friday where, Swinney says it’ll be great entertainment that not only satisfies you but your wallet, too.

“The kids, they’re rock stars. If you want to come see some rock stars for five dollars, come to the concert.”

Until then, these kids will be hard at work for their musical debuts.

Friday’s concert (June 16) begins at 5:30 pm at Cornerstone.