Wilmette's Rock 'n Roll Camp Turns Students into Stars

At many camps, kids learn arts and crafts, archery and outdoors skills — at the Rock House's Rock 'n Roll Summer Camp, they learn how to be rock stars. 

The camp, which is hosted by the Rock House School of Music, transforms students ages 8-13 into a rock band (complete with a concert) — all in one week. In their five day sessions of camp, the students spend three hours per day learning about what it takes to run a successful band, from picking out songs to setting up for their first gig.  

"There's a sense of community and a sense of camaraderie that students form through the music," Kevin Florian, Lead Producer at the Rock House, said. "It's fun to see from the beginning — at first they're timid, but at the end, they're a band."

The campers start out the week getting to know each other, and spend the next five days rehearsing 3-6 songs, coming up with a band name and even making posters for their bands. The week ends with a performance in the Rock House for the public. Throughout the whole process, each band has a professional coach who oversees the process. But the students have a lot of creative freedom, with some even developing concept album ideas and backstories for their bands during their free time. 

"[The kids are] fearless," Florian said. "There are some nerves, but there's not much fear of embarrassment. If they fail, they'll just do it again."

This is the rock camp's second year running — and it's almost twice as big as it was in 2012, moving from four student bands throughout the summer to 16. 

"It was a resounding success," Florian said of the camp's first year. 

Slots are still available for this summer. Students must be between the ages of eight and 13. While beginners are welcome, Florian notes that most are not "absolute beginners," and students will be split into two bands based on where they're at on their instruments (including drums, guitar, keyboard and bass). The sessions are $280 for the week. More information can be found at the Rock House (located at 1150 Central Ave in Wilmette) or online here.