Willow Glen Resident

Education

Music camps offered for middle and high school youth in July

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

Willow Glen Middle and High schools are definitely on key this summer as the Willow Glen Music Boosters and the music department offer advanced jazz choir and band classes to students interested in developing their musical acumen.

"We are trying to revive music at Willow Glen Middle and High schools and get it out into the community," says music booster co-chair Darla Arndt.

Parents were excited to see the schools offer these classes to middle and high schoolers over the summer, Arndt says. There aren't many camps available to help develop these skills.

Along with the jazz classes, the schools also offer an after-school drum line program.

"We did a survey at the schools, and drum line was one of the things that students wanted to see," Arndt says.

So the music boosters raised some money, bought some drums, and had Kenny Williams Jr. come onboard as instructor for the drum line, Arndt says.

"The drum line will become the foundation for a future marching band in Willow Glen," she says.

The students involved in the drum line will perform at Founders Day events, as well as the Willow Glen homecoming parade and all home football games.

"It brings back what high school was like," Arndt says. "From the cheerleaders to the football players, it encompasses everything."

The music boosters have received help from the Willow Glen Foundation and alumni.

"It has really brought a lot of people back to help their neighborhood," Arndt says.

Both middle and high school students are welcome to enroll in the program and will practice throughout the summer.

There are two classes still available this summer, the advanced jazz choir and advanced jazz band, both from July 10 through July 14 at a cost of $125.

The classes will take place in the Willow Glen Middle and High schools band and choir rooms, 2001 Cottle Ave. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Drum line also takes place at the middle and high school from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

For more information on any of the classes or to get an enrollment form, email Darla Arndt at arndt_family@sbcglobal.net.