
July 8, 2021 – Millikin University’s youth summer music programs are back this summer and ready to welcome a new generation of up-and-coming musicians and performers. Two summer youth programs, Rap University and First Gig Rock and Roll Camp will take place in July, giving young musicians the opportunity to immerse themselves in discovering and performing two distinct music genres.
Rap University is a hip-hop production program created for middle school and high school students. Focusing on collaboration, the program teaches participants about beat making, rapping, social justice, and art while also helping them understand the full scope of hip-hop’s history and culture. The program is led by Millikin alumnus Kaream Williams, Class of 2018, a signed hip-hop performer and Decatur Public Schools teacher.
Throughout the five-day program, students will have ample opportunities to express themselves through writing music and creating beats, becoming listeners and creators of the hip-hop genre. They will also record and perform rap and hip-hop creations with experienced artists. Rap University is scheduled for Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16, from 1-5 pm at Millikin University’s Perkinson Music Center. The cost for attendance is $90 and there are scholarship opportunities available for those needing financial assistance.
Interested students and parents may contact Kaream Williams at kaream.williamss@gmail.com. For more information about Rap University, please visit here.
Students interested in rock and roll music have the opportunity to attend the First Gig Rock and Roll Camp. For students from ages 10-17, this program helps participants learn to compose, produce and perform like rock stars. Sessions are offered for bass, drums, guitar and vocals, and students will be instructed by local rock musicians.
Led by Mike Schoneman and Braun Sheets, experienced rock and roll musicians with years of expertise, this long-established program has encouraged more than 50 students to play in rock bands. Previously organized by the Decatur Park District, First Gig Rock and Roll Camp is now part of Millikin’s Preparatory Department.
First Gig Rock and Roll Camp will begin Monday, July 19, and conclude with a finale concert at 12 noon on Saturday, July 24. The program runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday. Musicians will need to supply their own instruments for this program and all instruments will be secured for the program’s duration. The cost for attendance is $250.
For more information, please contact FirstGigDecatur@gmail.com or visit here.