July 17-21 & 24-28, 9am-12pm, at The Kennedy School, near Porter Sq in Somerville.
Our Approach
Every day, we play fun dance tunes and parade around the neighborhood. We never know where we might end up — a park, a bookstore, an escalator? — but wherever we go, friendly fans are sure to follow.
We’ll watch videos of other street bands in performance, and have break out sectional rehearsals to hone ear training and instrumental technique. We’ll also play improvisational games and try our hand at group composition. Click here to see a glimpse of last year’s camp.
Learn
- to have fun the street band way, playing loud, lively music that gets people smiling and moving
- to be playful and spontaneous when playing your instrument, and how to listen for, and stay in, the groove while parading
- some basic street band musical forms like dance beats, blues progressions, call and response, etc.
- the history and culture of street bands around the world, their music and their model of shared leadership, improvisation and musical spectacle
Sample songs
- Uptown Funk, by Mark Ronson
- Let’s Go Get ‘Em, by Rebirth Brass Band
- Ghostbusters Theme, by Ray Parker, Jr.
- We Got That Fire, by Lil’ Rascals Brass Band
- Billie Jean, by Michael Jackson
Our Staff
- Kevin Leppmann is executive director of the School of HONK, a lifelong musician and educator, and a founding member of Somerville’s annual HONK! Festival.
- Shaunalynn Duffy is a founding mentor with School of HONK, and an arts and science educator currently working to open the new Powderhouse Studios in Somerville.
- Rosalie Norris is a School of HONK mentor, and theater arts teacher at The Fenn School in Concord.
- Several School of HONK mentors and other musician volunteers will also participate in our camp, with extensive experience both in music education and street performance.
Registration
Camp HONK is open to anyone, 10 years and older, preferably with at least one year’s experience playing their instrument (woodwind, brass, or percussion). Those with less experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Families are encouraged to apply.
Cost for the two weeks is $80/wk; family discounts and some scholarships may be available for students who need them. Bring checks — made payable to Somerville Public Schools — to the first session, on July 17.
If you have any questions, please drop us a line at schoolofhonk@gmail.com.
Camp HONK is made possible through a partnership with the Somerville Public Schools, and is supported in part by the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
(Photos by Leonardo March)