Claire M. admitted she was a bit nervous and excited 15 minutes before her performance in “Broadway Music Through the Decades.” The show was the culmination of CSMA’s Broadway Bound summer camp, a two-week musical theater program.
Returning after a break due to the pandemic, this year’s program brought in 18 new students and two youth assistants. Led by CSMA voice faculty Kaye DeVries, the revival of the camp was a strong one with a diverse pool of talent and new faces.
DeVries said the camp has been a favorite for many years and is excited to be helping to rebuild the program.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s great,” DeVries said. “The students make me happy.”
The camp serves as a good introduction to performing on stage and so much more. During the camp, students gain performance experience in dancing, singing and acting through solos and ensemble numbers from musicals and more.
“Some students have never danced before. Some have never sang before,” DeVries said. “They’re nervous and a bit shy. We’re teaching them stage presence and confidence.”
Amelia S. has always loved singing and acting so the Broadway Bound camp was a perfect fit.
“I love it!” Amelia said. “I give it 5 stars.”
From timing and choreography to memorization and singing on cue, there is a lot to remember during the two-weeks of camp. What Amelia appreciates the most is the opportunity to do something she loves and make new friends at the same time.
“I really like that we learn things step by step and not just all together,” she said. “I also like that we get to work in groups.”
Tanisha A. was excited to participate in the Broadway Bound camp this year. The 10-year-old sings alto in CSMA’s Performance Choir.
“It’s really fun,” Tanisha said. “I like it. My favorite part is the singing.”
The song Tanisha looked forward to singing was “My Shot” from the musical Hamilton.
In addition to Hamilton, other songs included in to the student performance were, “Born to Hand Jive” from Grease (1970), “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods (1980), “Hakuna Matata” from the Lion King (1990) and “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray (2010).
The audience cheered and clapped after every song as the students smiled with pride. The nervous and shy students that started the program were true performers by the end of the two weeks. DeVries wants them to keep this feeling of accomplishment and more importantly, remember what they learned.
“I just want them to have a love of music, an interest in it,” DeVries said. “I want them to explore it more–whether that’s through choir or other opportunities.”
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
