MONROE — Creative Music Center, 701 Main Street, will be bringing young musicians together for its two upcoming summer camps.

Kate Rich, vice president/general manager of Creative Music Center, shared they are offering their Jazz Camp again for ages 10 to 17 years old.

Jazz Camp will run from June 22 to July 6 on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 pm.

“It’s a six-week program, and we’ll have a final performance,” she said. “They will be working on improvisation, theory, and harmony. One thing we want to encourage is for it to be a rewarding and fun experience for musical growth.”

Anthony Pellegrini will be returning as the camp instructor. He is a local musician currently playing with the Elm City Big Band, Rock This Town Orchestra, and a Nordic Sound Jazz.

Rich noted, “Anthony is going to use an iReal app for instruction … it gives real tracks to real songs, so that they can go on and practice with it long after the camp. Anthony will instruct them on how to use the app. It’s a great tool.”

The second camp that Creative Music Center is offering is its new week-long Beatles Camp for ages 10 to 17 years old.

Beatles Camp will run Monday, July 11, to Friday, July 15, from 10 am to 2 pm. Students will need to bring their own lunch and beverage each day.

“The collaborative class will teach our young musicians how to perform some of the classic chart-topping Beatles hits, along with learning the fine art of stage presence and delivering the songs with bandmates,” Rich said.

Francesco Perrouna will be directing the Beatles Camp.

According to Creative Music Center Director of Music Education Phyllis Cortese, “Francesco has a degree in Fine Arts, Jazz Studies from Amherst College and is a former music educator at the Fairfield School of Rock.”

Creative Music Center is continuing to be mindful of COVID guidelines and is practicing social distancing and hand sanitizing.

Both camps will be at Creative Music Center and, weather permitting, take place outside under a tent. If campers must be inside, they have bell covers for instruments.

“We’re interested in keeping all our students safe. It is a high priority for us,” Rich said.

How To Register

Since Creative Music Center serves many towns, its Jazz Camp and Beatles Camp are both open to residents from any town.

Students will need to bring their own instrument to play, as well as any of their own gear they like to practice with. Amps will be provided.

To be eligible to sign up, Rich said, “We are looking for one year’s experience, but there is no audition.”

Those interested in registering for one or both camps can call 203-261-7301, e-mail phyllis@thecreativemusiccenter.com, or visit thecreativemusiccenter.com.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.