A group of LaSalle Parish youth learned many new skills in the art of music during a free camp held in Jena this past month.

The camp was part of The Strand Village Project #thrive, an out-of-school program providing local youth with education opportunities in music, like learning proper vocal techniques for singing, rhythm patterns and note values and the impact that music has on people and cultures.

The instructor was local music education major Reagan Franklin, and the site coach was local drama club instructor Tracy Joy. During the camp, each child learned how to play the bucket drum and composed a beat for their own song.

“It has been so fun to watch these kids express themselves through music, whether through singing, beating on a bucket or playing a recorder – each one had a chance during this camp to increase their music skills and have fun doing something together,” said camp instructor Reagan Franklin.

In addition to composing their own piece on the bucket, the whole group performed two ensemble works, including a bucket drumming number and a vocal piece.

The program is a component of The Strand Village Project #thrive and is funded in part by a Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

The #thrive camps for fall will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.agreaterlasalle.com.

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