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"Camp Rock" tunes up young musicians' summers for third year in a row

Whatever you're doing with your summer vacation, the Camp Rock kids are spending theirs planning world domination, one note at a time, at Camp Rock in St. Augustine.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Whatever you’re doing with your summer vacation, the Camp Rock kids are spending theirs planning world domination, one note at a time, at Camp Rock in St. Augustine.

“Oh my God, it’s just so fun!,” said Madison Wardell of St. Augustine, a second-time participant.

Camp Rock is the brainchild of Jim Stafford, who runs Eclipse recording studio across town on U.S. 1. Think of a week-long day camp themed around the movie "School of Rock" starring Jack Black. "These kids, they just soak it up," Stafford said.

"I get this sort of vibe that I can do anything in front of a crowd. That's the best part about it for me," 16-year-old Shayla Nelson said.

In its third year, Camp Rock will take any middle or high school aged kid with a basic proficiency in their instrument -- whether it be guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, or drums.

Basic proficiency doesn't mean you need virtuoso chops. In fact, there are plenty of first-timers among this year's largest class ever of 37 rockers.

The only other requirement is a thirst to learn.

13-year-old vocalist and drummer Madison Wardell said she loves performing at Camp Rock and to "follow your dreams, don't ever give up. If you want to be a singer, be a singer; if you want to be a drummer, go all the way!"

If dreams of stardom are a seed, all on hand agreed Camp Rock is water to its growth.

Camp Rock includes a performance by the kids Friday at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. The concert is open to the public. Next week, they'll head in to the Eclipse studios to cut a CD.

For more information about Camp Rock and other local music programs for kids, click here for Eclipse Studios or here for Friends of St. Augustine Amphitheater.

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