Clinton Kids Learn and Have Fun at Mississippi College Music Camp

Clinton Kids Learn and Have Fun at MC 2013 Summer Music Camp

Gabi Jones enjoyed playing the role of a young girl in a Mississippi College production of  “Cheaper By the Dozen’’ a couple of seasons ago.

In early July, Gabi, 13, was back on the Clinton campus in early July to improve her skills playing the piano at MC’s 2013 Summer Music Camp.

A student at Sumner Hill Junior High, Gabi is the daughter of MC instructor Melissa Jones and will “definitely’’ enroll at the Christian university in a few years. At the moment, she’s getting excellent instruction from outstanding MC music professors, while having fun at the same time.

The same was true for a half-dozen other Clinton students. They’re among more than 50 youngsters at the week-long camp coming from schools in Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana.

“You come to learn from people and these MC instructors know what they are talking about,’’ says Anna Breland, a Clinton High senior. This is her third summer attending the camp run by the university’s Department of Music. “This is the best music camp I’ve been to. I know all the people.’’

Studying voice, Anna loves singing music that’s been showcased at Broadway theaters for decades.

“Learning piano and meeting new people,’’ are the best part of music camp, says 14-year-old Clintonian Jordan Sawyer.

A Clinton High sophomore when classes start in August, Sarah Kane, 15, is receiving solid training at MC’s music camp to improve her singing skills. “I love the teachers.’’ In a few years,  Sarah hopes to join their ranks and teach young children.

The 8^th annual music camp at Mississippi College is taught by current faculty members, while MC music students serve as camp counselors. It’s a busy time for Music Department colleagues Carol Joy Sparkman and Bob Knupp, the camp’s co-directors.

At the week-long camp, students select from classes such as music theory, photography, piano improvisation, as well as private and group instruction in voice or keyboard. There’s a talent show and music recitals mixed in for the youngsters who range from incoming 7^th graders through recent high school graduates.

“I like the wide diversity,’’ says 13-year-old Mary Madison Pevey as she sizes up the MC classes. The Clinton Junior High student enjoys playing Broadway tunes on the piano or just hitting a few chords. “I’m definitely coming back.’’

For more information on the summer camp or other Mississippi College Department of Music activities, contact Dottie Serio at 601-925-3440.