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Don't Stop the Music

The second annual Athabasca Music Camp went July 16-20 at the Athabasca reformed Congregation Church, with a concert going on its final night.

The second annual Athabasca Music Camp went July 16-20 at the Athabasca reformed Congregation Church, with a concert going on its final night.

Attendees and instructors of varying skill levels and instruments played their hearts out, with songs being played including CCR's Bad Moon Rising and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Instructor and co-ordinator Leah Cook said the camp is run under the umbrella of the Athabasca Ministerial Association.

"Children of all faiths are more than welcome to attend the camp," Cook said. "It's for ages 10 and up, and even adults of all ages can attend as well. It's open to anyone who likes to play music."

Cook said they introduce a faith-based element to the music that they play.

"We have had such great interaction with the faith community," she said. "The camp is a really well-rounded one, and a great blessing to us as instructors and facilitators. And we hope that the participants feel the same way about it as well."

Some of the instruments played at the concert included the piano, harmonica, guitar, as well as the fiddle.

Some instructors, like Greg Loewen, came in from Valleyview in order to teach their craft.

"I taught banjo, mandolin, fiddle, as well as slap-based guitar," Loewen said. "I have taught at lots of music camps over the past eight years, and the one here in Athabasca has got to be the best. The people are absolutely fantastic, with some strong examples of families and leadership. As well, the community has a beautiful setting. The town is just gorgeous."

He added that whether you are a beginner or a veteran, it was a fun week for everyone who was involved.

"For next year, I am just looking for more of the same," Loewen said. "We run these camps by making a few adjustments each year, and we always look for ways to improve through feedback from our students."

Students leave camp with fond memories

Thirteen-year-old Eric Geng, who plays guitar and the piano, really enjoys making new friends at the camp.

"I also really like the music, and the teachings that go along with it," Geng said. "I like to play any sort of music, but I am hoping that next year, they also introduce Electronic Dance Music to the program. That is my favourite type to listen to."

Geng, who has attended the camp for two years, said he hopes to return next year as well.

"I really enjoy the two instruments I play," he said. "I have played piano now for three years, and the guitar now for the last two years."

Another student, 51-year-old Brad Giroux, came to the camp for the first time this year. He said he heard the great stories about the program from his teenage son, who attended the camp last year.

"It was a wonderful experience," Giroux said. "My son was so persuasive, I took vacation time at work in order to attend. I got to learn how to play mandolin again, some more advanced guitar, as well as identifying interesting ways on how to do effective song writing."

Giroux said the camp really put the spark back in him to start playing music again.

"It is nice to have a venue like this for me to attend," he said. "I am really looking forward to coming back again next year."

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