By Lisa Morgan
When: April 2 and May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Indio High School Performing Arts Center
Who: Students completing the 6th grade through 11th grade in June 2016
Why: Because some kids just gotta rock!
Sign up for the open call at www.ampcv.com (It is important to register for an open call time)
The Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), a program created by the Coachella Valley Community Trust (CVCT) and funded by Goldenvoice, returns this summer on the heels of last year’s inaugural and absolutely stellar program launch. This year, the theme is the “Rock Band Experience,” and will provide young musicians, singers and those interested in stage production, lighting, event management and promotion, hands on experience. The program is open to students completing the 6th grade through 11th grade in June 2016. Kids within that criteria can now sign up for an open call slot at www.ampcv.com. Open call will take place at Indio High School Performing Arts Center, located at 81-750 Avenue 46, on April 2 and again on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It would be impossible to express just how valuable this opportunity is for musically motivated youth without telling you about the impact last year’s program had on the students and those who watched them grow. The community turned out in droves to witness the final, celebratory performance following last year’s AMP program. These young musicians experienced the sound of an estimated 350-400 people cheering at the top of their lungs, all authentically impressed with what they were witnessing.
Many kids played several different roles on stage during that final performance, going from piano, to guitar and then to percussion, even though these were instruments they had never played prior to AMP. Exceptionally strong, original songs were performed as were solid tributes to rock classics. Every part of this show was produced by the kids of AMP, from the background music being played, to the documentary video that was shown. Sound, lights, stage management… you name it, these kids rocked it.
CV Weekly spoke with Greg Vincent, one of the audition panel members, about the transformation he witnessed from the auditions to that final performance. “Four weeks ago, these kids were pretty reserved on stage. The transformation has been absolutely amazing! Some of these kids just blow your mind.”
Andy Cahan, who has played with the likes of The Turtles, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Harry Nilsson was also present for the final performance. “I was totally amazed and pleasantly entertained by these fantastic kids,” shared Cahan. “They were so professional and so good, my jaw dropped to the ground. They are all going to be very happy musicians when they grow up.”
“The AMP program meant a great deal to my son who is most likely heading towards music as a profession,” shared Alfredo Hernandez who has been a drummer in world renowned bands such as Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Brand Bjork and the Bros, and Yawning Man. “It helped give him the confidence that most young musicians need when they begin performing in front of people. The AMP program also gave him the chance to meet other performers and to learn how to work with them, something that is very important; learning to discover the chemistry between performers is a trait that these kids will definitively carry into their career.”
“The support of CVCT and Goldenvoice is such an incredible gift, as well as the dedication of so many who made last summer’s program happen,” shared Cherise Sonderman, mother of AMP student, Jake Sonderman. “Jake had an incredible experience at AMP last summer. Great program, great instructors, and great musicians.” Jake has gone on to form other bands and perform at the Tamale Festival, the Warburton St. Jude Race (to name a few), and will be playing two days at this year’s Stagecoach Music Festival.
AMP is setting the stage to build on last year’s huge success, motivated by the desire to broaden the experience of young musicians in our community. “We’re excited to have local schools involved with the program, as they’re most likely to see these talented kids; however, we had a number of young musicians and singers who taught themselves how to play their instruments or learn vocals by watching YouTube videos last year,” said Program Director Kate Spates. “School music programs tend to feed school marching bands, which is excellent, but many kids are looking for a different kind of music experience. We gave them a real rock band experience last year by forming 4 unique bands, and some are still gigging around town, and will even play at the half-pint hootenanny at Stagecoach this year,” she continued.
Music Director, Bob Hamilton, who was an AMP instructor last year said, “We didn’t realize we would have such a big demand for the AMP graduates to play around town, so we’re trying to put together a scenario to keep the students engaged all year round and provide them with opportunities to play at various events.”
AMP is again seeking talented musicians and singers, including students proficient in vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drum set, percussion, brass, woodwind, electronic mixing/DJs, and students interested in the technical and production side of performance. On the day of open call, students will meet the judges, AMP committee members, and the music director for the program. Judges will ask questions, and students can perform either a song or a mash-up of songs not to exceed five minutes. Based on skill level and commitment, 40 students will be selected to participate in the three week program, which begins on June 27 and runs through July 15. While tuition is valued at $1,500, the fee is set at $399, with full scholarships available. No talented student will be turned away based on ability to pay tuition.
Students accepted into the program will be announced on May 14 with the first day of camp starting on June 27. The program is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A final showcase performance on July 16 will be open to the public.
AMP was created in 2015 by a committee of volunteers involved with Coachella Valley Community Trust, and is made possible by grant funding from Goldenvoice. For more information about Academy of Musical Performance visit www.ampcv.com. For more information about Coachella Valley Community Trust visit www.cvcommunitytrust.org or call (760) 863-2333.
