Music is in the air with pair of summer programs geared toward the local youth

The countdown has started for children being involved in local musical programs.

This summer, there are two opportunities with a pair of camps for young people.

KiDZ, or Kids Discovery Zone, will be opening a children’s live theater program. Children in grades second through eight will be able to build their confidence, creativity, musical abilities and character at the camp.

It will begin on July 21 and be held from 6-7:30 p.m. and run for eight weeks. It will be held at the Joe Kidd Hall at the Mariposa Methodist Church.

For information about costs and signing up a child, contact Gail Vanderslik at (661) 496-3701.

At the end of the eight week program, the group will put on a musical for the community. The musical is “Of Mice and Mozart” and is a rhyming musical that tells the story of Mozart’s life by the imaginary ancestors of the mice who lived and worked in his house.

“Our program will bring out your child’s desire to participate in learning how to act, learn discipline and bring their determination and dedication to the art of acting and singing,” said Vanderslik.

They will experience learning lines, auditioning for parts, singing, choreography, designing costumes, backdrops, making props and more.

There are also plans for a second musical celebrating America’s 250th birthday. It’s called “United We Stand.”

That musical will bring the Constitution to life in story and song.

“Through our program, students will gain confidence, their public speaking abilities and develop a deeper appreciation for the performing arts,” said Vanderslik.

Music camp

Also this summer, Vanderslik will be offering a two-week music summer camp.

This will be for students in grades two through six. It will be the fourth summer camp.

This camp is under the umbrella of the Mariposa Community Chorus, which also sponsors the Mariposa Children’s Choir.

Youth will have the opportunity to play a variety of instruments such as drums, keyboard, ukulele, xylophone, glockenspiel, hand chimes and hand bells. They will also have the chance to compose a short piece of music.

There will be a lot of singing and learning about music appreciation.

At the end of the two weeks, the children will give a concert to family and friends. Youngsters who wish to join the Mariposa Children’s Choir will be offered a chance to join first.

Camp starts Monday, July 6 and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Helping out

Vanderslik said many local businesses, individuals and clubs have donated to both the theater, the summer music camp and the children’s chorus.

To date, donors include Pioneer Market, Creekside Nursery, the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Mariposa Yosemite, Happy Burger Diner, High Country Health Foods, Foster Ace Hardware, State Farm Insurance, Janey Burnside, Nicole W. Little, Chuck Kendall, Steve’s Sportsmans Cafe, Mariposa Shipping and The China Station.

“We are hoping for more donations for these children,” said Vanderslik.

Vanderslik will once again be running the programs with many others helping, including Burnside, Shelly Gerken, Sherry Burns, Sarah Brewster and Bill and Debbie Tucker.

“Let’s put music in the lives of our children,” said Vanderslik.