Britt helps kids find their inner rock star!
Raining Jane leads second annual Britt Rock Camp this June

Bryan Oliver-Hills Plays at Last Year's Rock Camp. Photo by Kat Koury

Britt is pleased to announce the return of our popular Rock Camp this summer, June 18-23. Raining Jane, an independent rock band who appeared at Britt twice in 2011, will be the lead faculty for this one-week camp, focused on regional students ages 13-18. The camp will be held at Jacksonville Elementary.

Britt Rock Camp is designed to foster creative expression, community and collaboration, while providing an entry point to the arts for middle and high school students. Students will receive hands-on, professional instruction on vocals, electric guitar, electric bass, drums, and keyboards, and learn about songwriting, sound systems, recording techniques, and band dynamics in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Raining Jane performed at Britt in July of 2011, opening for Sara Bareilles, and then returned to the Rogue Valley in October for an indoor concert on the Britt stage and two days of outreach at Crater Renaissance Academy. In addition to their work as a band, the members of Raining Jane have pursued various individual projects. You may have seen percussionist Mona Tavakoli’s recent appearances with Jason Mraz, including on Today and Late Night with David Letterman.

“We’re so lucky to have Raining Jane participating in this year’s camp. Their incredible enthusiasm and energy, along with their teaching background, will make this an amazing experience,” said Rachel Jones, Britt’s Director of Education & Community Engagement.

2011 Rock Camp!

Raining Jane brings a fresh take on teaching to Rock Camp. As co-founders of their own L.A.-based rock camp, they are experienced teachers. Additionally, keyboard player/music producer Meg Toohey will join Raining Jane as faculty. The teaching will be rounded out by local experts who were faculty members in 2011.

The members of Raining Jane say, “We can’t wait to rock out with the budding musicians of beautiful southern Oregon, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity. It’s going to be a fun and inspirational week for everyone!”

Rock Camp emphasizes equality, co-creation and collaboration. The camp accepts approximately 35 students who will spend a week forming a band, writing music and performing for the community. Students also attend Britt concerts and have the opportunity to participate in special sessions with touring artists performing at Britt during camp week.

Bryan Oliver-Hills, a 2011 Rock Camp participant says, “This camp opened my mind to new ways of looking at music. It is one thing to sit in your room and play music for yourself, but it is an entirely different experience to be in a musical community designed to bring that little something extra out of you. Before the Britt Rock Camp, music was a hobby. After Britt Rock Camp, it became a passion!”

This year, Rock Camp is open to students of all performance levels, including vocalists. Beginners are welcome.

In addition to Rock Camp, applications are also open for the Britt String Quartet Academy, a two-week camp for intermediate to advanced high school and college string students. The Calder Quartet, Britt’s new string faculty, will lead the students on an exciting and intensive study of chamber music.

To apply for either summer program, visit the Britt web site at www.brittfest.org/summerprograms