Both our Singing and our Guitar Summer Camps incorporate Songwriting, and it’s not just the idea of it, we will write a real song together during the camp – collaborating, sharing ideas, learning about song structure, different types of song, trying out ideas, learning if those ideas work and changing them if they don’t.   We will share this collaborated work, but also write individually and these exercises do not have to be shared with the group so the children can feel free to write what they want.

We’re learning a few songs during camp that are pop songs, modern songs but still a form of ‘protest’ song – a kind of social commentary that has always been popular in music, but of course most popular in the 60’s.  So we’ll look at what we might want to write about if we were to try out this style and write a few lines of our own protest songs.

We will look at the idea of ‘storytelling’ through song and try a few lines of that style also, and we will also look at pop that is just for fun, with lyrics that rhyme and flow but maybe don’t say much of anything at all!!!!

Ultimately in a group setting it’s about working together, respecting ideas and being brave enough to suggest edits or something that might work better, and accepting the ideas of others for the benefit of the project.  It’s fun, challenging and interesting and in the past we have created some great music – though we never know what will happen when the pens come out!

With lots of guest tutors coming in this year, we’ll have perspective from various performers and all of that will make us stronger singers, players, performers and now also – songwriters!

Guitar camp is full with a waiting list (pls pm if you want to be added to the cancellation list), and Singing camp is almost full so book quickly for that one!

Camp runs from 10 – 13 July (4 days) in The Exchange in Buncrana.  Singers are in 10 – 1, Guitarists are in from 1.30 – 4.30.  The fee is €45, and there is discount for families or children attending both. Pls bring lunch.

Contact on FB http://www.facebook.com/themusicboxschool or text 0863068655.

And so Summer rolls around again, and as usual it has sneaked up on us too quickly – so here’s a quick run down of the next few weeks! Our Summer Raffle for friends and family is HUGE this year, with lots to win including wonderful prizes donated by Gerard O’Kane Photography and the lovely new Gifted (gift shop). Music camps, open to non members as well as members are almost full, so get in quick if you haven’t booked yet! Summer Show dates for each class are listed below, as well as details of our singers appearance at Feel Good Fortnight.

MUSIC SUMMER CAMPS

We have two music camps open to members as well as non members. Singing/Songwriting camp with 3 tutors giving the boys and girls loads of tips and techniques for singing and performance, as well as an insight into songwriting and help in collaborating on a song during summer camp!  Our other camp is Guitar/Songwriting and in addition to the songwriting module, Rickey Fullerton will join us again to push our skills further and hone the chords and guitar moves we’re already working on.  Camp runs from July 10 – 13.

RAFFLE PRIZES!!  We’ve got some great prizes up for grabs this year, sheets are going home with kids next week  – no pressure to fill them, just buy a few lines if you’d like!

**FIRST PRIZE**Family photo shoot worth €200!!! Included is a location shoot and memory pen of fully edited images, very kindly donated by Gerard O’Kane Photography

**SECOND PRIZE** 2 frames kindly donated by Gifted

**THIRD PRIZE** Ukulele

**FOURTH PRIZE** Free Place at Summer Music Camp

**FIFTH PRIZE** Bottle of Red & Bottle of White Wine

**SIXTH PRIZE** 2 hand crocheted children’s hats

SUMMER SHOWS (Sliabh Sneacht Centre and Exchange)

Wee Glee & Sliabh Sneacht Singers, 2pm, 24th June @ market square Buncrana. 20 min set for feel good fortnight

TUESDAY 27th June: SLIABH SNEACHT CENTRE

Sliabh Sneacht Guitar Academy – regular class at 4pm, show at 4.45pm

Sliabh Sneacht Singers – regular class at 5pm, show at 6.30pm

THURSDAY 29th June (Exchange)

Thursday Beginners guitar class 4pm: will be in for their regular class at 4pm with a short show at 4.45pm (last 15 mins of class).

Thursday 5 & 6pm guitar classes will do a combined show this year on Thursday 29th June- Final class for both groups @ 5pm, show at – 6.30pm

FRIDAY 30th June (Exchange)

Wednesday 5pm Guitar Class  – students In at 6.30pm on 30th, show at 7pm.                 For some students there will be two shows on Friday evening.  This is unavoidable with bookings in the hall/feel good fortnight etc.  Both shows (guitar and wee glee) will start on time – guitar show will take about  half an hour and then there will be tea/coffee/biccies while we get set for the Wee Glee Show.  Aplogies for the long evening, the children have worked so hard so it will be lovely for them to show you all they’ve learned. Thanks, Bernie

FRIDAY 30th June  (Exchange)

 Wee Glee Singers – In at 7.45, show at 8pmFor some students there will be two shows on Friday evening.  This is unavoidable with bookings in the hall/feel good fortnight etc.  Both shows (guitar and wee glee) will start on time – guitar show will take about  half an hour and then there will be tea/coffee/biccies while we get set for the Wee Glee Show.  Aplogies for the long evening, the children have worked so hard so it will be lovely for them to show you all they’ve learned. Thanks, Bernie