By Allison Hurtado, Ahwatukee Foothills News Apr 6, 2014
Dan Grivois teaches Bayleigh Haferbier piano at Music Maker Workshops (L-R) Daniel Sobieski, on violin, teacher Carissa Klopfenstein, on viola, and Emily Mergenthaier, on viola, play “Sweet Child of Mine” at Music Maker Workshops on Thursday, March 27, 2014 Jay Patel plays drums at Music Maker Workshops on Thursday, March 27, 2014 Logan Bridge plays guitar at Music Maker Workshops on Thursday, March 27, 2014 Karlye Guerra plays guitar and sings at Music Maker Workshops on Thursday, March 27, 2014 Dan Grivois teaches Bayleigh Haferbier at Music Maker Workshops on Thursday, March 27, 2014
Kids camps at Ahwatukee Music Makers this summer will have children bringing out their inner artist.
Preschoolers, ages 3 to 6, can enjoy a carnival-themed camp, called Confetti Days. Confetti Days is four mornings of crafts, games, snacks, stories, and music. Kids will get to ride a carousel in the classroom, walk a tight rope and enjoy different music every day. Family and friends can join the class for a celebration the lasts 30 minutes of the last day.
The cost of Confetti Days is $99 per week if registered before May 4. The class begins June 2.
Ages 5 to 12 can sign up for Morning Music Academy and build their own camp by selecting three classes. Choices for classes include drums, guitar, piano, voice, violin or arts and crafts. Classes will be divided by age and ability levels. Sessions will go from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, and a concert will be performed on the last day of camp.
Classes are June 9-12 or June 11-19, and July 14-17 or July 21-24, and cost $120 per week if registered before May 4.
Ages 8 and up are invited to experience a Summer Afternoon Art Camp. Students will learn to draw, paint, print, and collage using the basic elements of art. The camp, taught by professional artist Barbara Schoepf, will feature an art show on the last day for friends and family. Afternoon Art Camp is scheduled so that kids in the Morning Music Academy can spend all day at the studio. Art camp will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
The cost is $120 if registered during early registration and $140 after that. It goes on the same days as Morning Music Academy.
This year, Music Makers is also hosting two drum camps led by Bucket Baker, a 25-year professional musician who has touring and recording experience with Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and others.
The first camp, Bucket Baker’s Drum Camp, will include techniques for percussion, rudiments and stick control. The camp is designed for ages 7-12 and will be from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. June 24-27 and July 8-11. The cost is $120 per week if registered early.
The second camp, Ahwatukee Sound Drum Corps, will be a mix of military and street beat. Students will march and play together learning technique and teamwork. The class will be once a week for six weeks June 7-July 19. This camp is a Saturday morning class from 9 to 10:30 a.m., for ages 7 to 16, and costs $120.
Between June 2 and Aug. 2, Music Makers will also offer a teen and adult Rock Band program. The program is open to experienced musicians of all instruments, ages 9 and up. Students will arrive weekly to practice with their organized band and learn their favorite music. A concert will be performed on the last week of camp. New students must audition for the program. The cost is $175 before May 4 and $199 after that date.
As usual, Music Makers will also offer a Summer Boot Camp for all ages. Private lessons can be scheduled Monday through Thursday for two or four consecutive weeks. Lessons are available for piano, voice, violin, viola, guitar, drums and more. Private lessons are 25 percent off regular lesson practice.
For more information on Music Maker Workshops, or to register for classes, visit www.musicmakerworkshops.com or call (480) 706-1224. Music Maker Workshops is located at 3233 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 2.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-7914 or ahurtado@ahwatukee.com.