Long day, so let me get right to it…
The morning began with final Instrument Instruction, one hour only. In Voice, the campers had a last chance to get class input on their songs. Each girl stepped up to the mic and shared. Then the other girls offered positive shout-outs, followed by constructive criticism. I cannot tell you how wonderful this is. The girls are so danged supportive of one another (“That was off the chain!”), and their ideas for improvement are spot-on (“Pronounce your words more – I really wanted to hear them!”). To back each other up like that is powerful. And inspiring.
Then there was lunch. And today we got to hear not one, but two bands during the hour. First up was a rock-blues power-duo that just blew me away. Deap Vally, yo!
After that fiery set, we were all treated to a performance by a band comprised of fan-tabulous Rock Camp Volunteers – The Cold and Lovely, yo!
One final band practice followed. This was the campers’ last chance to work out any problems. After that, there was a stage rehearsal. This part served to not only work out the kinks of getting on-stage, performing, then getting off-stage, but also to work out the kinks of butterflies. For a lot of these girls, this will be their first time performing anywhere, let alone in front of a gi-normous audience at the El Rey in Los Angeles.
After the stage rehearsal, the last afternoon assembly wrapped it all up. And then, just like that, Friday was finished.
The campers are excited for their Saturday showcase. A lot of them are nervous, too. But as one vocalist said during class, being nervous and being excited feel pretty much the same. Ain’t that a kick?
For the record, I did cry today. I cried in class when one of the younger vocalists sang her song. I cried during stage rehearsal when the vocalists stepped up and totally brought it. And finally, I cried at the end of the day when all the Volunteers got together and shared favorite parts of Rock Camp.
It’s an emotional experience, participating in this camp. As a Volunteer, I’m blessed to witness the girls as they grow into themselves. They just blow my mind. I’m also blessed to work alongside so many strong, creative, beautiful women. I’m honored. I’m privileged. I don’t know any other way to put it. Except maybe this…
When it was my turn to share my Rock Camp highlights with the other Volunteers, I said something along these lines: This is the one week each year when I feel truly in touch with my tribe. I don’t know why it’s only once a year, but it is. And I’ll take it.
I can’t believe the showcase is tomorrow. Wow.