SPARK! is a free online composition course geared toward brand new through advanced young composers in grades 3-12.

The Summer Session will take place from June 30 - August 4, 2025.

Throughout each session, participants will meet via Zoom for private lessons with Kristin Vining to develop an individual project. Participants will also meet in groups once each month to explore improvisational and compositional techniques together. By the end of the course, the participants will have an original musical composition ready to share at an online music showcase. 

The Course will consist of the following elements, all conducted online:

• ONLINE ORIENTATION (June 30, 4:00 pm PT)
  An introductory meeting with all participants to go over the different elements of the course, and give composers a head start on brainstorming their composition.
• PRIVATE LESSONS (flexible scheduling)
  Study music composition with Kristin Vining. In your lessons Kristin provides individual attention to help you start, develop, and complete your project. Schedule lessons at your convenience using an online Calendly sign-up form.
• GROUP CLASS & COMPOSERS WORKSHOP (July 7 and July 21, 4:00pm PT)
  Both events are encouraged but optional for all participants. Meet other young composers, build your composer toolbox, study music theory & explore composition techniques, and workshop your compositions-in-progress.
• ONLINE SHOWCASE (August 4, 5:00 pm PT, 4:30 call time)
  Share your new work! Friends and family are invited to join.
  Present a PDF and computer-generated sound file of your new composition. Hear an excerpt of your piece performed live by a WWS musician! This event is recorded and the recording is shared with all participants. 

You will receive a link to the Zoom Orientation and Group Classes in the confirmation email after you register. Please contact us if you do not receive this email (also be sure you've clicked "Submit" as it can be a bit tricky to see at the end of filling out your registration.)

You'll receive the invitation to schedule your private lessons after Orientation, and links to attend the final Showcase will be sent the week before the event.

The Walla Walla Music Organization and Walla Walla Symphony are pleased to present this free, one-week music camp designed to give participants the experience of preparing for and producing a Rock ’n’ Roll concert.

CONCEPT: Rock Camp is a one-week intensive music experience designed to provide interaction between young musicians and professional musicians in a real-life production setting. Campers attend several music classes for the first part of each day (read on for class descriptions). Classes include a vocal or instrumental workshop and two electives. After classes, campers form into bands, choose band names, select a song to learn and rehearse, and ultimately perform at the final concert. Some campers work together on the production side of music such as photography and video, merchandise, and the design and setup of stage and sound equipment. Some campers do both - the Rock Camp experience is customizable based on campers' interests!

The experience culminates with a free live concert performance for friends, family, and the community. Walla Walla’s future Rock ‘n ’Rollers will get a glimpse into the world of the professional rock music scene, and a chance to rock out with their friends!

CAMPERS: Rock Camp is open to students entering grades 7-12 in the 2025-2026 school year. All are welcome, no experience is necessary, and repeat campers are encouraged and welcomed!

DATES AND TIMES: July 28 to August 1 (Monday-Friday) and August 2 concert (Saturday)

• Monday - Friday 9:00am - 2:00pm; optional session from 2:00-5:00 for those interested in learning more about the WWCC Audio Engineering Program
• Saturday 4:00pm - 7:00pm
• Final concert Saturday, August 2 is free and open to the public, beginning at 5:30pm.

LOCATION: Rock Camp will be hosted by Walla Walla Community College, 450 Bridge St. Walla Walla, WA 99362.

COST AND COMMITMENT: Rock Camp is FREE, but limited to the first 50 campers. Because each band member becomes an integral part of their band, please be certain that campers can commit to the sessions AND the final performance. Please register by July 11th - registrations may be taken after July 11 if space allows, but campers registering late will not be guaranteed a t-shirt in their size.

ROCK CAMP DAILY CLASSES: Campers take three classes, including one Instrumental/Vocal Workshop and two electives. The options for these classes are as follows:

• Instrumental/Vocal Workshop: Choose your primary instrumental or vocal focus for the week. You will be grouped with peers with similar experience levels to explore your instrument in a group setting. Choose from vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, strings, wind/brass instruments, and drums. (You can take up to two Workshops.)
• Home T-Shirt Shop: Learn to make your own Rock 'n' Roll T-shirt -you can even take it with you at the end of the week.
• Latin Drumming: Play in the drumming jam session that will be a part of the final concert.
• Live Sound: Learn how to be the sound engineer for a live concert.
• Recording: Learn how to record a band in studio.
  
• Latin Drumming: Jam out in a groovy drum circle that performs at the final concert.

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE: (Subject to change)

• 8:45-8:55 - Assembly and Announcements
• 9:00-9:40 - Class 1
• 9:50-10:30 - Class 2
• 10:40-11:20 - Class 3
• 11:30-12:00 - Lunch
• 12:10 - 2:00 - Band Practice
• 2:00 - Dismissal; optional WWCC Audio Engineering Wrap-Around Session from 2:00-5:00

INSTRUCTORS IN TRAINING:
Veteran campers can email rockcamp@wwsymphony.org to apply to be "Instructors in Training," assisting Rock Camp instructors with leading their classes rather than taking a class schedule of their own. There are a limited number of Instructors in Training positions available, so application does not guarantee acceptance. Campers that are selected as Instructors in Training give up their regular class schedule, and assist Rock Camp Instructors throughout the day. Instructors in Training will also be expected to help encourage younger and less experienced campers to have a rockin' experience at Rock Camp, mentoring and sometimes playing in bands with less experienced members.

QUESTIONS: For general questions, please contact the Walla Walla Symphony office at:

• rockcamp@wwsymphony.org
• (509) 529-8020.
• Mailing address:
  Rock Camp, c/o Walla Walla Symphony,
  PO Box 92
  Walla Walla WA 99362.

Rock Camp is sponsored by the Yancy P. Winans Testementary Trust, Walla Walla Valley Honda, United Way of the Blue Mountains, the Walla Walla Sunrise Rotary Club, Hot Poop, and the Walla Walla Community College. Thank you Sponsors for making this possible!