NEWBERRY — Epting Memorial United Methodist Church sponsored its first week-long summer music camp “Make A Joyful Noise” last week at Newberry Middle School.
The camp was for middle school students who were interested in music. Classes offered included music theory, music history, composition, choir and conducting as well as the opportunity to take private lessons on instruments such as the piano, double bass, and drum set.
Director, Madeleine McEntire of Whitmire and assistant director Nick Vlandis of Myrtle Beach led the camp along with Cody Williams of Lexington, Chris Wilkins of Chapin, Michael Gourdin of Greer and Nick Schrantz of Laurens being employed as other staff members. The faculty were all 2014 graduates of the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville.
The camp was supported by Elizabeth Douglass, band director at Newberry Middle School, and choir director Jamie O’Brien, who were eager to give the students the opportunity to attend a free music camp taught by the SCGSAH alumni.
Camp attendees were Andrea Aguilar, Jonathan Eason, Joshua Eason, Jade Hardin, Denise Recinos, Jax Sanchez, Jenna Thomas, Emma West and Hailey Woodward.
The camp was held June 6 through June 10, with a recital being held Friday to give the students an opportunity to showcase what they had learned. They also received a T-shirt and a certificate of completion.
Members of the Epting Memorial United Methodist Church congregation participated in the camp in various ways. They brought meals for the campers every evening and even provided transportation for some of the students. Several church choir members sang in the camp choir at the closing recital on Friday.
Camp director Madeleine McEntire expressed her appreciation to Douglas, O’Brien, Hightower, Nick Vlandis, the camp counselors, B.J. Graphix, the camp attendees and their parents for their support and participation in making the music camp a resounding success.