Summer

Jam Session 101

Entering Grades 5-8*

Get ready to make some noise and let your creativity take the lead! In this fun, hands-on one-week workshop, students entering grades 5-8 will explore the exciting world of musical improvisation through rhythm games, instrument exploration, movement, storytelling, and group challenges. No previous experience is needed.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

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Overview

Students will learn how to listen, experiment, collaborate, and create music in the moment. Throughout the week, they’ll work individually and in small groups to invent rhythms, sounds, musical stories, and original improvised pieces. Instrument exploration includes large and small rhythmic and melodic percussion, as well as body percussion, voice, and opportunities to explore introductory use of piano and ukulele. The week will wrap up with a casual showcase where students can share some of their creations with family and friends. No experience necessary — just bring your imagination and a willingness to make some music!

*The final culmination is Friday afternoon, with Saturday being a move-out day for residential students.

Additional Information

This program does not require any type of assessment or audition to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Any previous music instruction will be helpful, but is not required.

A refillable water bottle
Comfortable clothes that allow for movement
Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Lauren Daniels has taught at Children’s Center for the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program since 2015. She teaches music, theatre, and literacy at various schools and facilities in California, and has done so for over 20 years. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice, Percussion, and Theatre Performance from Belmont University and a board certification in Music Therapy. She earned an MLIS from San Jose State inspired by her love of books and is both a children’s librarian and an adjunct professor of library science at various colleges and high schools in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

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