Beyond Rock - The Ultimate Rock Band Summer Camp

"Beyond Rock" (formerly known as Bach to Rock) is the ultimate rock band summer camp for kids ages 7-17. The camp, located in Garden City, is an innovative two-week rock music summer program where kids play in bands and perform in a real rock concert at a major club. 

Camp director Maria Sarro is a former technology consultant and corporate refugee whose prior experience includes founding a charter school. Extremely shy as a child, her journey studying singing and acting led her to discover that performing is a great vehicle for growth.  

"For me, the way to build confidence, to change my self-image was to force myself to step out of my comfort zone in ways that demonstrated to myself that I was capable of more than I thought," says Sarro, who wanted to create a place where emphasis was put not only on learning but on the social and emotional skill set.  

"With Beyond Rock, music is the vehicle," Sarro said. "There are schools that focus on striving for excellence and even though our camp offers amazing musical instruction it's not primarily about music."

Sarro said the kids play in bands, take workshops and learn from an exceptional staff. "But what makes this program special is a commitment to expand each child's idea of who they are and what they are capable of in music and life," she said.

Last summer, in just 10 days, student Allie Gemmiti became a lead singer in her own band and opened at the legendary Mulcahy's Music Hall with an original composition. This was Gemmiti's first experience at Beyond Rock.  

Parent feedback has proven that the formula works: "She lives for this all year long;" "I've never seen her get this excited about anything;" "He's a different kid;" "What did you do to him?" 

Students say things like, "This is the most important thing I've ever done."

Gemmiti recommends the camp to kids who are musically inclined or not."Everyone has some raw talent and you learn to express yourself and try different things," she says.

Allie's mom said she appreciates the opportunity. "The camp is a godsend for kids who are artistically inclined. In this society, if you have a child who doesn't play sports, you feel as though the social scene is closed off. Here, kids can meet other kids who share the same passion," she said.

Mike Russo, Garden City Middle School and camp teacher says, "I teach many of these kids at the middle school and am amazed how they've changed after their experience. In addition to musical improvements, I see them treating all subjects with more attention and each other with more respect. I see more confident attitudes. We're doing something right."

Classes are conducted by certified teachers and industry professionals with a 4:1 student-to-staff ratio. These are individuals who have been inspired by music and work in the field. They are composers, songwriters, arrangers, studio musicians and keyboardists and they have played everything from classical music to rock.

Located at the Garden City Jewish Center, the camp sets up a professional studio offering workshops in songwriting, stage presence, digital recording, computer software, theater improv and more. There's also instrumental instruction, recreation time and guest speakers who discuss topics such as running a rock band.  

Students are assigned to their own band and the camp culminates with their performances. Kids learn the magic of teamwork and are encouraged to use their creativity. In one of their promotional videos a boy is playing the guitar and makes a recommendation. The instructor responds, "Go ahead, it's your song."  Campers are truly empowered to find their voice.

Gemmiti may have thought she was just making music - but behind the scenes Beyond Rock was working its magic at creating a transformative experience for music and beyond.

Call 888-212-9834 or visit www.beyondrock.org for more information.