"Let's Rock," Metropolitan Learning Center SUN Community School's
popular rock 'n' roll music camp program, is now open for enrollment
 
Camp seeks loaned and donated instruments to help make the
hands-on music experience possible for more Portland youth this summer
 
(Portland, OR) - This summer marks the fourth year of "Let's Rock," the Metropolitan Learning Center SUN Community School's popular rock 'n' roll camp for girls and boys ages 10-18. The program, which runs June through August, offers an intensive, but fun opportunity for youth and teens to develop both their musical and social skills through rock music.
 
Enrollment is now open for the three music camps, including "Digital Recording (Garageband)," June 23-26; "Let's Rock Level Two" for older and more advanced students, July 7-24; and "Let's Rock," designed for beginners to advanced students, July 28-August 14. All of the camps run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.  For enrollment information, contact the MLC SUN Community School site director, Sylvia Linington at 503.916.2912.
 
The "Let's Rock" program offers a hands-on environment for mentorship between music students and professional staff. Activities include group lessons on drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. Students get the opportunity to jam with professional and aspiring musicians and learn more about the music scene and live performing. The program also includes songwriting and recording workshops, band rehearsals, and performances in front of large audiences.
 
Rocking the youth welcomes community support
Attendance at the "Let's Rock" camps has increased every year since the program began in 2005, primarily due to word of mouth spread by happy rock 'n' roll campers. Camp directors anticipate that the level of growth will continue to climb as more kids discover the popular music camp.
 
"We expect to exceed our enrollment capacity this year, so we'll likely need more equipment and additional staff to meet the needs of all the kids who want to participate," says "Let's Rock" director Sam Densmore. "In years past, we've lucked out and been fortunate to borrow equipment from parents and teachers. One generous parent lent five drum sets to the camp one year. This year, to support our track record of interest from campers, and with expansion a near certainty, we will need all of the community support we can get."
 
""Let's Rock" is different from other rock 'n roll music camps in Portland," Densmore adds. "The focus is on music and community. Any musical kid is invited to check it out. We have a huge facility and excellent staff, it's not as expensive as many private programs, and we offer scholarships."
 
To learn more about how you can help make music camp possible for Portland youth, or for questions on "Let's Rock" enrollment or other information, contact the MLC SUN Community School site director, Sylvia Linington at 503.916.2912.
 
To hear music recorded by previous "Let's Rock" students, visit www.myspace.com/letsrockportland <http://www.myspace.com/letsrockportland> .
 
 
SUN Community Schools
SUN Community Schools are a collaboration between Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), Multnomah County Department of Schools, and Centennial, Reynolds, Parkrose, David Douglas, Gresham-Barlow, and Portland Public School Districts. Currently, there are 55 SUN Community Schools, twelve of which, including the MLC SUN Community School, are operated by PP&R. Critical components of the program include education, social services, multi-cultural and cultural arts, recreation and leisure services, health services, and citizen involvement.