Kids’ Orchestra Camp :: A 10 out of 10 Experience for Both My Daughter and Me!

Kids’ Orchestra Camp :: A 10 out of 10 Experience for Both My Daughter and Me!

As a self-proclaimed helicopter mom, I’ve always kept my daughter close during the summer. Whether at home with me or tagging along to school when I was a school administrator, she was never far from my side. So, when I started working remotely, it seemed natural to keep her home. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Last summer was a wake-up call. I realized that my daughter needed more stimulation and social interaction than I could provide at home. Determined to make the next summer different, I eagerly awaited camp sign-ups like they were Beyoncé tickets. On March 2nd, I signed her up for the Kids’ Orchestra camp.

For three incredible weeks, my daughter immersed herself in learning to play the viola at Dufrocq Elementary. The camp provided breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a range of enrichment activities, including art projects and almost daily visits from local musicians. One of the camp’s highlights was “chill time,” where kids could relax in their own way, making my daughter feel incredibly empowered.

Watching her progress from a complete novice to performing in front of an audience after just five days was nothing short of amazing.

The incredible staff cultivated a structured yet nurturing environment, which helped her build confidence and develop a genuine love for the viola.

I highly recommend this camp to any parents in the area looking for a safe and enriching summer experience for their children. Last summer marked Kids’ Orchestra’s first foray into a four-week camp, and while there were undoubtedly behind-the-scenes challenges, everything ran smoothly from a parent’s perspective. The processes were seamless and virtually stress-free, which is a huge win for busy moms like me.

I’m already excited for her to return this year to deepen her knowledge of the viola. She’s fallen in love with the instrument, and I’m eager to explore more opportunities to interact with Kids’ Orchestra throughout the school year.

The benefits of Kids’ Orchestra camp extend beyond just musical education.

It also provided my daughter with valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Learning an instrument requires patience and practice, and seeing her dedication to mastering the viola was heartwarming. It’s not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about the journey of improvement and the satisfaction that comes with it.

Moreover, the social aspect of the camp cannot be understated. My daughter made new friends, bonded with peers who shared similar interests, and experienced the joy of playing music in an ensemble with weekly concerts on Fridays. These social interactions are crucial for building her confidence and interpersonal skills, which will benefit her in all areas of life.

The camp’s approach to integrating art projects and visits from local musicians added a layer of cultural enrichment that is rare to find in typical summer camps. These experiences exposed her to different forms of artistic expression and inspired her creativity. The visits from professional musicians were particularly motivating, showing her what is possible with dedication and passion.

Kids’ Orchestra Camp :: A 10 out of 10 Experience for Both My Daughter and Me!
Rehearsing with local musician John Gray during a field trip to the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge (Photo provided by the Kids’ Orchestra).

As a mom, seeing my child so engaged and enthusiastic about learning was incredibly rewarding. It reaffirmed my belief in the importance of providing children with diverse experiences that challenge and inspire them. Kids’ Orchestra camp did just that—it challenged my daughter to step out of her comfort zone and inspired her to pursue her newfound passion with zeal.

 

Rehearsing with local musician John Gray during a field trip to the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge (Photo provided by the Kids’ Orchestra).
Rehearsing for a performance during a field trip to the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge (Photo provided by the Kids’ Orchestra).
Practicing the trombone during camp (Photo provided by Kids’ Orchestra).

 

 

 

 

 

Kids’ Orchestra camp was a transformative experience for both my daughter and me. It provided her with a structured yet fun environment to learn and grow, and it gave me the peace of mind knowing she was in a safe and nurturing space. If you’re looking for a summer camp that offers more than just a break from school, Kids’ Orchestra camp is the perfect choice.

It’s an investment in your child’s future that pays off in beautiful melodies and lifelong skills. 

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