“You can bring classical music to young people, and you can tell them that it’s a really important thing and you can tell them why it matters. But unless they see that it matters in their own life or how it’s relevant to their family or their community, they don’t invest in the same way. They’re uniquely tied to issues that matter to them.”
2022 Impact Report
CAMP’s programming would not be possible without the commitment of generous donors like you. Download our 2022 Impact Report to see how your gift made it possible for us to use music to change lives.
Our vision
CAMP envisions a world where music is accessible regardless of social standing, addresses community needs, encourages youth leadership and civic engagement, and inspires a new generation of excellent, diverse, and collaborative musicians.
Our Mission
CAMP exists to provide free El Sistema orchestral training in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood.
OUR Values
Community - In an effort to support under-resourced learning environments, we aim to create an atmosphere of creativity and radical inclusion for students of all ethnicities, beliefs, identities, and abilities.
Musical Excellence - Our highly qualified instructors instill in our students a sense of dedication, perseverance, and ambition through an intense schedule of orchestral rehearsal, private lessons, and performances. Students develop their own unique, diverse musical voices through performance and composition, and are given tools to measure their growth against their past achievements.
Social Development - Our students learn how to communicate peacefully with one another, offer and receive constructive criticism, and pass on their knowledge to less experienced students.
Social Activism - Taking our students' lead, we empower our young people to become active leaders within East Garfield Park, using music as a tool to engage the community, drawing their attention to community issues and effecting positive change.
our programs
Full Orchestra Program (3rd grade-10th grade) - Full Orchestra students receive an instrument, four-six hours of weekly rehearsal, and weekly 30-minute private lessons.
Fiddlesticks (1st-2nd grade) - Fiddlesticks students participate in a weekly 90-minute group violin class, incorporating both Suzuki methodology and general music lessons. Fiddlesticks students also receive weekly 30-minute private instruction.
our structure
full orchestra
Sectional rehearsals are held Monday through Thursday each week for two hours in the afternoon. CAMP is made up of three orchestra divided by ability. Students have the opportunity to audition twice each year to advance.
Every CAMP Full Orchestra student receives a free weekly 30-minute private lesson on Saturday. This time is reserved for specific technical issues that are unable to be addressed in a large group setting.
CAMP students perform two Full Orchestra concerts per year. They also participate a recital in the spring, learning a piece of solo repertoire to play with piano accompaniment. Many students also elect to perform chamber music with their friends.
fiddlesticks
Group classes are held for 90 minutes each Wednesday after school. Classes combine elements from the Suzuki method as well as general music fundamentals.
Fiddlesticks students attend private lessons on Saturdays, where they receive 30 minutes of one-on-one instruction.
Fiddlesticks performs two concerts per year along with the Full Orchestra program.
CAMP is grateful for support from:
