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SALT LAKE CITY — If anyone were to walk by the Madeleine Choir School on 1st Avenue this week, they wouldn’t hear any choral music. Instead, they'd hear rock 'n' roll.
The current rock 'n' roll boot camp at the school challenges girls ages 8-17 to become rock stars. The students get to select an instrument — guitar, bass, drums, keys, or vocals — learn how to play it, form a band, write an original song and perform it on stage in only one week.
But for Talia Keys, the volunteer music director, and the 50 other volunteers who take off work and dedicate their time for an entire week to help build the bands, it’s about much more than music.
“This gives some of those girls who are more quiet, or more reserved, or maybe bullied in school, or they don't feel like they fit in. This gives them something more,” Keys said.
Those who run the camp want to empower girls and build their confidence.
“They usually start out the week shy, but by the end when they take the stage, it brings me to tears to see how much confidence they have,” Keys said.
The next performance for Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls Salt Lake City will be Saturday, June 17th at 1 p.m. at The Art Factory, 193 W. 2100 South.
Those interested in the camp can apply on the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls Salt Lake City website. Tuition is $200 per girl.
