The Observation Deck

What a fantastic night last night at Lakewood High School. The two camps: Rock On and Classical Academy combined to show off what they'd been up to in an epic performance.

It was a wild ride, bookended and shepherded by the kids from the Lakewood Project--- campers were dancing, acting, improvising live in front of the audience, laughing, and playing their hearts out.

The Rock On camp focuses on giving kids a skill-leap in a week. They play one piece by ear, one by using music, and compose another completely on their own, with different small groups creating their own compositions. Last night we heard songs like "Max's Dreamland," featuring a wandering Max Mulready strolling across the stage before he leapt into action behind both keyboards and drums. "Funky Monkey Penguins," with an intricate melodic riff followed by major league shredding from at least 5 guitars, and 2 basses.

Everyone was amazed by how much they'd gotten done in 5 days, and by how much fun they obviously had and were having at the same time. Look for these kids on the 4th of July when they join the Lakewood Project for a couple of songs.


The auditorium was full of kids with instruments. On the floor in front, on the stage, in the seats, in lines in the aisles, all playing.


Some of the pieces included actors, and soundtrack music, with instruments playing the part of scary dreams and shark attacks.


There was an army of guitars stretched across the floor in front of the stage. Note the kid leaping in the air.


Betsy Voinovich

First off nice pictures, that girl in the pink shorts in the first picture looks mighty familiar

We are not a camp family besides scouts my kids just don't participate in camps but my kids loves Rock-on camp because it's so fun. This year we had two kids in the program. One of our boys played guitar in Rock-on and my daughter participated in both camps. Our oldest was a camper for several years back when he was young and it was a great primer for being a Lakewood project member.

Lakewood is very lucky to have Beth Hankins and Patty Perec who both go above and beyond to make music fun. Not only though do they stress good musical skills they also teach responsibility. It really was a great show last night.

Thanks for posting this, Betsy!

Beth Hankins and Patty Perec do a great job with these camps, including having guest instructors and former students (both in and out of college) return to serve as camp counselors. Many who return are working on or have music education degrees. Those with degrees are working as music teachers.

In addition, current orchestra and Lakewood Project members should be recognized for their role as mentors to the students. I think their proximity in age plus their status, especially those in the Lakewood Project, enable them to get some kids to do things they otherwise might not.

For instance, all Rock On campers have the opportunity to improvise on stage with the Lakewood Project during one song. Some kids are a little stressed about being the focus of attention, even for a little while, vs. performing as a group. I think several campers gave it a shot because the LHS camp counselors were encouraging, cajoling etc.

Thanks for another great music experience, it was definitely a fun night for all!

Christina McCallum

Rock On! & Classical Academy Camp Concert, Friday, June 29th, 7:00 PM, Lakewood High School Auditorium.

I have lots of pics, but here's a few: