First Gig Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Youth

Learn from the pros June 10–14; live performance June 15

Area youth ages 10-17 can enjoy a fun six-day summer camp designed to team kids up with professional musicians from around the area.

First Gig Rock 'n' Roll Camp runs June 10–14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a live performance by the participants taking place Saturday, June 15 in Champaign (venue and time TBA).

Students of all skill levels are invited to attend, each placed in a band led by an experienced musician. During the week, students develop a live show as they make friends and learn from over 20 professionals through conversation, practice sessions, "lunch talks," and through interaction with different types of equipment.

Their week of intensive training culminates with a live performance on stage.

First Gig students may also be a part of the Reverb Music Recording Workshop as well! Reverb gives students the opportunity to experience working with cutting-edge audio recording techniques and software to mix and record music at Parkland's Perimeter Road Sound Recordings.

First Gig began in Danville in 2012 with musicians Peter Blackmon and Michael "Guido" Esteves and is in its fifth year at Parkland College. Local and regional musicians who have partnered with First Gig bring a diverse arrangement of styles, including Motown, funk, reggae, jazz, and classic rock.

The cost of the camp is $299 per student. Lunch is provided during the week. To register a child for First Gig by June 10 or to learn more about the camp and workshop, please visit parkland.edu/ceRegister or call 217/351-2235.