July 20, 2022- The First Gig Rock n Roll Camp began this week at Millikin University.
This camp gives local kids aged 10-17 the opportunity to learn how to play contemporary music styles such as rock and pop. Director Mikey Schoneman invited Y103’s Shyler to take a tour and experience what First Gig is all about. The camp participants are divided into different groups and throughout the week they will become bands. This year the camp is producing three bands which the kids have named. We have: “The Toothbrushes”, “Medicine Cabinet”, and “Orange Juice”.
Each band is led by a local musician who guides them through their days of camp. Each day starts with group band practice where the band leader and the campers choose which songs they’ll be learning throughout the week. Periodically, each band’s members will take a break from group practice time to have a more focused lesson with the Department Head that corresponds with their instrument. In addition to one-on-one time with Department Heads, a guest instructor is also brought in each day for each instrument to give the campers a wide variety of styles, perspectives, and personalities. Over the course of the week, each band will learn to play, record, and perform their songs. Their hard work will pay off Saturday July 23rd at Albert Taylor Theater on Millikin University’s campus, where friends, families, and the community are invited to see them perform. Doors to Albert Taylor Theater will open at 11:30 with the show starting at noon, and the suggested donation is $5 per person.
First Gig Director Mikey Schoneman shared the importance of community support, fundraising, and keeping children interested in the arts.
“If we were not to fundraise at all, camp would cost around $1400 per kid so, First Gig wouldn’t exist here in Decatur without the community support that we receive throughout the year,” Schoneman said. “Whether it is attending our fundraising events or just helping to spread the word about the camp and what we are doing, it’s all greatly appreciated. We are all one big team keeping music education alive.”
First Gig’s fundraising typically depends on community events such as The MaryBeth Bell Memorial Fundraiser which is an all day concert featuring multiple local bands, a silent auction, and raffles and “Eat, Putt, Rock!!”: an event hosted at Overlook Adventure Park’s mini golf courses.
The First Gig Rock n Roll Camp is sponsored in part by Millikin Community Arts Academy, Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Cemeteries & Cremation Center, Moran & Goebel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Oakwood Screen Printing, Goss Advertising, and Lamplighter Productions.
