Proud parents rush to the stage to take pictures of their children at one of this year’s Durham College School of Rock n Roll Summer Camp performances at E.P. Taylor’s Pub and Restaurant at the college’s Oshawa campus.

The School of Rock n Roll Summer Camp recently finished its last session with a rock and roll bang as excited campers performed what they learned for parents and family members at E.P. Taylor’s Pub and Restaurant, which is located at the college’s Oshawa campus.

The camp, created in 2003, runs as week-long sessions for the month of July each year, focusing on making music for kids and allowing them to create original pieces.

Beginners learn how to play guitar, bass, drums and keyboards while those who already play work on improving their skills with the talented counsellors. The camp also offers classes in songwriting, rock history, sound and lighting, stage presence and theory which is comprised of curriculum from the college’s Music Business Management program.

A concert is held at the end of each week for campers to show off their skills as part of a band. Each band has its own creative name and plays famous classics and new hits. Some even perform their own music written during the week.

Camp director Rich Carrigan, a Durham College Music Business Management graduate, has been camp director for the last two years. “It’s a rewarding job,” said Carrigan. “It’s great seeing each child progress throughout the week.” Carrigan started out as a counsellor for the camp about five years ago and worked his way up. He’s hoping to continue his participation next summer.

Not only do the campers walk away with a great sense of accomplishment and better musical skills, they also receive an official rock star package that consists of a band photo, logo and backstage passes.

“The kids work together as a group – like a band,” said Carrigan. “Not everyone may agree but they come together as one to execute a final plan – their performance.”