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First music camp offers corps a new dimension.
Corps Officer Major Brenda Hathorn broke new ground for the Nampa (Idaho) Corps this summer when she instituted its first ever music day camp.
The camp took place at the corps July 11-15. Cascade Divisional Music Director Cheri Gilden assisted with percussion and choir, and volunteers taught keyboard, guitar and theory.
The week concluded with a concert for families and friends.
A T.L. Williams grant allowed the corps to initiate this program for children of low-income parents who cannot afford music lessons. The grant enabled the corps to purchase 14 keyboards, which means the program will continue year-round, with community volunteers providing instruction on instruments. The corps also plans to add voice lessons.
The music program provides a link between the youth center and the corps as through it parents discover the heart and mission of The Salvation Army.