Summer band camp has cure for the summertime blues Published June 2, 2009 By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Members of the Guam Territorial Band will host a summer band camp June 13 to July 25 Mondays through Saturdays open to all middle and high school students with at least one year of experience. The cost to enroll in the six-and-a-half-week long camp is $180 per student and includes a band uniform, private lessons, sheet music and other instructional material. The first meeting takes place June 13 at George Washington High School's band room. During the meeting, camp instructors will distribute a final syllabus pinpointing the designed rehearsal sites for the camp. Students must register by June 13 to participate. "While most students have free time during the summer, a great deal of it is not spent working on the instrument," said Jake Mafnas, camp director. "So when students return back to school in the fall, many cannot play the simple music passages that are given to them by their teachers because their playing technique is weak. With our program, the members continue to play throughout the summer so when they return to school, most of them are capable of holding the top positions, or chairs as we call them." The camp focuses on teaching marching and concert band concerts as well as instrument fundamentals, including proper playing techniques, posture and care for the instrument. The camp also provides an opportunity for military students to interact with Guam's students through performing together, participating in team-building exercises and experiencing the historical, geographical and cultural sites around the island. "The camp fosters the relationship [between the military and local communities] through fun and friendship and most importantly through music," Mr. Mafnas said. "The students come together as individuals from different walks of life, and when we are together, we bring in an awesome sound to our listeners. The music becomes one and so do the bonds we build through this program." The camp closes with a Liberation Day performance and a recital event to showcase the final product. "I am excited about the prospect of my students expanding their musicianship through the summer," said Jason Martin, a band and music teacher at Andersen Middle School. "They need to keep playing, and this provides a great opportunity for that." For more information, to sign up or to volunteer, call Mr. Mafnas at 688-4765.