Want your student to develop their musical craft this June? Rock Band Camp students (12-18 yo) will learn and perform songs from Jackson 5 to current artists. Students will learn to cultivate their musical ability, have an awareness of the arts, develop performance skills, and build stage presence.
We believe in fostering young musicians and helping them grow in their own musical abilities. Since 2016, our Center for the Arts has offered Rock Band Camp each summer where students can learn one-on-one and as a group from our experienced instructors. These students will learn and work together daily, culminating in a concert for our family and friends on Friday, June 14th at 6:00 pm.
When: Monday, June 10th – Friday, June 14th, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily and Friday night Concert at 6:00 pm
Who: Students from ages 12 – 18
Where: West Ridge Community Church Auditorium, 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin, IL
Cost of Rock Band Camp:
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$275 is due once a student is accepted via email or audition/interview
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Payment must be made in full in order to reserve your spot in Rock Band Camp
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$35 discount available for two or more students from the same home/family
Enrollment Process (Enroll before April 15th, 2024):
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If you are interested, please fill out our Rock Band Camp enrollment form
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The Rock Band Camp Enrollment form can be e-mailed to Michael Aukofer or sent via mail: West Ridge Community Church, Attn: Michael Aukofer, 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin, IL 60124
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Center for the Arts Director, Michael Aukofer will be in touch to set up an audition for your student.
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After your student’s audition, the Rock Band Camp Staff will confirm if they feel the student is able to handle this musical environment.
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Once accepted, your payment will be due immediately in order to hold the student’s place in Rock Band Camp.
Our Instructors
Our Instructors are highly trained musicians that care about cultivating your student’s musical abilities. They are well-versed in a wide variety of musical styles, perform in musical settings often, and are committed to the education and development of future musicians.
Michael Aukofer – Director
Completed his formal music studies at the University of Kentucky where he was also the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award and taught as the Doctoral Teaching Assistant in percussion. Michael’s Masters Degree is in Percussion Performance and Bachelors Degree is in Music Education (K-12 vocal and instrumental). Michael has 30 years of private teaching experience working with students ranging from preschool to professional. His published compositions are sold and performed internationally.
Jennifer Melugin | Band director/bass guitar
Jennifer attended the University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign and graduated with honors in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She has been a director for concert bands, jazz bands, marching bands, concert choirs, worship teams, musical theater, and general music in public and private schools for over 21 years. In addition to leading worship at other suburban churches, Jennifer has been honored to be one of the musicians at West Ridge Community church for over 16 years. Jennifer’s passion for education is to inspire students of all ages to learn and grow through the discipline of music.
Veronica Garcia | Vocals
With 30 years of experience as a vocalist, Veronica began performing in elementary school taking lead in musicals and joining choir. Her inspiration came from her fifth-grade mentor, Catherine Smith, who taught her to be herself and develop her own style. She has since performed across the greater Chicagoland area, recording live and in studio records, as well as written songs. She has spent the last 10 years working with the musicians at West Ridge Community Church contributing to the worship team. Veronica also runs her own music studio “Voice with Vee” where she teaches aspiring musicians, both young and experienced, to find their own voice.
Natalie Chung | Vocals, keys
Natalie has been singing and playing piano since she was young. She was a Rock Band Camp student here for many years and now loves being on staff! Natalie is currently a student at Indiana University. In addition to her Rock Band Camp experience, she continues to play and sing on the West Ridge band, and also performs in various worship settings in Indiana. Natalie is very excited to work with the Rock Band Camp students and staff again this year!
Gregory Matushek | Band director/keyboards
Gregory Matushek earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education from Northern Illinois University and has done Master’s coursework in Educational Leadership at Texas State University. He is currently the Band Director at Hampshire High School but has taught middle school and elementary Band, Choir, and Orchestra previously. Greg has performed professionally with theatres in Chicago, Texas, California, and New York. When he’s not teaching or performing in a pit orchestra, Greg can be found on one of his many bikes, eating his way through Chicago, or napping with his dog Maddux.
Bruce Franklin | Guitar
Bruce Franklin is a guitarist from the Chicago-land area. He started playing guitar at 8 years old and began his professional music career in the early eighties. A large part of his musical productivity has been invested in the 40 years he’s spent as a songwriter, recording artist, and performer with his band Trouble, including 8 albums spanning 1984-2013. Trouble has sold 500,000 albums and has had videos played on MTV. Bruce has been teaching guitar for West Ridge’s Center for the Arts since 2008.
Robert Broz | Drums
Robert Broz received his BA in Music from Cleveland State University while also studying at Berklee College of Music and Miami University (OH). A professional musician for over 40 years and a private instructor for 25 years, he brings a unique perspective of education together with practical application. Through the years he has performed with a diverse list of musicians including Johnny Cash, jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd and currently totals over one hundred engagements annually while remaining committed to the education and development of future musicians.
FAQs
Why does my student need to try out for Rock Band Camp?
We want every student to feel confident as they grow in their musical ability. The Rock Band Camp Staff will confirm if they feel the student is able to handle this musical environment.
Can Vocalists be a part of Rock Band Camp?
Yes, vocal and instrumental musicians are welcome to attend.
Will lunch be included?
Students will need to provide their own sack lunch each day
Why does my student need to register by April 15th, 2024?
Our Rock Band Camp staff takes 8 weeks to finalize the music selection and begin preparing and sending all of the prep materials for each student so they feel confident when they arrive at camp.