Rock Camp Rulez!

How freak'in cool is this.  A few weeks ago, I did something I've never done before: I joined a rock band.  I played bass. My band was called Roxboro High. There were five of us: two bassists, a guitarist, a drummer, and a singer. We wrote an angry punk rock song called "Do the Math" and we played it live on stage at Studio B in Brooklyn, which you might recognize from quite a few Pitchfork News tour stories. Afterwards, a woman came up and thanked us, because her eight-year-old daughter had moshed for the first time while we played.

All of this happened over the course of three days, during something called Ladies Rock Camp, which took place under the auspices of-- and acted as a fundraiser for-- the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls. Willie Mae is the Brooklyn branch of an international network of camps for young girls [aka under 18] who want to learn how to rock out. The campers learn how to play various instruments, write songs, and perform on stage, as well as learn the ins and outs of the music business. Ladies Rock Camp was for those of us who happen to be older than 18, but still want to jam.

It was one of the coolest things I've ever done in my entire life. Like most of the women at Ladies Rock Camp, I've never wanted to be a "real" musician, but pretending to be a rock star for three days was incredibly, incredibly fun. Now, I'm a 26-year-old jaded hipster who has worked in the music industry since I was 18. Can you imagine how amazing this experience would be for a 12 or 10 or eight-year-old girl? Not just fun, but truly empowering and mind-expanding?

Though I highly recommend it, going to Ladies Rock Camp isn't the only way you can support the Rock Camp for Girls. There are branches all over the country, and even in Europe, all inspired by the original camp in Portland, Oregon, which now offers classes year-round. (See links below.) Volunteer, donate money or instruments. Tell your sisters/daughters/friends/cousins to sign up!

Or go to one of the camper showcases that are held at the end of each session. The Girls Rock! Chicago showcase is this Saturday, August 18, at noon at the Metro. The Willie Mae showcase is next Saturday, August 25, at 5:30pm NOON at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

Written By: Amy Phillips