By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald corresponden
Singing, fun all part of music camp
|
At the St. Peter the Fisherman music camp, Katie Rosenthal, left, and Brett Bogdanski share their talents playing rhythm instruments. Rosenthal is playing the tambourine while Bogdanski plays a tartuga, an instrument which resembles a turtle shell. Ziggy Stardust, parish music minister, taught the students how to play these and other rhythm instruments. (Catholic Herald photos by Mary Grieco) |
HUDSON -- Kids and camp are a popular summer match. The recent one-day music camp at St. Peter the Fisherman Parish didn't have any mosquitoes or camp fires, but there was a lot of singing and fun for the 10 youth who came to share their talents.
Led by Ziggy Stardust, minister of music, the event provided an opportunity to learn harmonies, ring hand-bell chimes, play rhythm instruments and participate in gestured prayer. "I've had this planned for a long time," he said. "This is a good chance to improve the skills they already have and learn new ones."
These kids weren't afraid to try new things, particularly when it came to the rhythm instruments -- everything from a Honduran drum to rhythm eggs. "I really had fun learning to play the instruments," said Katie Rosenthal, who ended up with a tambourine. Next to her was Brett Bogdanski, who kept perfect rhythm on a tartuga, which resembles a turtle shell.
Kenny Hampton, a high school senior, was the oldest participant. The youngest was 8 years old. Hampton already sings in the church choir, but was excited about learning more. "It was fun to play the chimes and conga drum," he said. "This was a good day, and kids came out and enjoyed themselves.
"The last part of the day was devoted to gestured prayer and a brief introduction to liturgical dance. "We have to start with a basic understanding of what prayer is," Stardust explained. "Communication with God," one youth correctly answered.
Explaining that in gestured prayer, "we move our hands and arms in some manner to indicate what the prayer is about," Stardust demonstrated the universal expression for alleluia, which ends with hands raised. The youth quickly mastered that movement while enthusiastically singing the familiar "Halle, Halle."
In closing, Stardust complimented the youth on their accomplishments during the day. "You have come a long way in being able to make joyful noises," he said as he invited everyone to join other musicians at the next practice.
Stardust hopes to make the camp an annual event and plans to continue encouraging young musicians while teaching segments of religious education classes this fall.
< Local
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004