CityArts Toronto Rock Camp 2010 Week 4 Photos and Update!

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Week 4 at the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp has finally arrived and it’s
already mid-week. All the bands have already chosen their band names
and songs that they are going to be performing! We await the
performances of Carmen and the Laser Cats, Sediquidant, Thunder
Mifflin, You Ain’t Got No Pancake Mix, Nuddha, and Bassers and
Drumists.

There are many new campers at CityArts Toronto Rock Camp this week and
a handful of returning campers which are excited for the final
concert. Like always, there was a songwriting clinic, a guitar/bass
clinic, and drum clinic.

The guitar clinic was particularly interesting considering that one of
our very own band instructors. Chuck Majic, CityArts Rock Camp
instructor and luthier, taught the Rock Campers how to change their
strings and keep their guitars in the best condition for as long as
possible.

The final concert for Week 4 is only two days away and bands are
practicing like crazy. If you were to find yourself in the hallway of
the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp right now, you would hear awesome
music, such as The Middle by Jimmy Eat World, Learn to Fly by Foo
Fighters and two originals called Just A Girl and Ode to Anvil,
streaming from every band room.

Mid-week is crucial for band members but just as equally enjoyable and
interesting. Can’t wait to see these performances this Friday, I have
a feeling they are going to be AWESOME!

Filed by Leeann Forbes for CityArts

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CityArts Toronto Rock Camp 2010 Week 3 Concert

The third official concert at the City Arts Toronto Rock Camp, held on Friday July 23

^rd

, 2010, introduced six new marvellous bands. With their spunk and eccentric attitudes, these bands played with passion this past Friday. Everyone awaited the performances of Processed, Where’s Wales?, Face-to-Face Collision and more. Excitement was written all over the audience faces as they expected a spectacular performance, and the bands did not fail to please them. Every band brought their individual flamboyance and musical ability to the concert. With a talented group of kids like these, the concert was bound to be tres chic!

Elephants with Substance Abuse Problems

Elephants with Substance Abuse Problems had a really great stage performance. They sent pleasurable and cheerful vibes towards the audience. You could tell that each band member really had a connection with the other band members on stage. It was whimsical experience with their choice to cover three songs, Motley Crue's “Dr Feel Good”, The Who's “Summer Time Blues”, and a homage to SpongeBob SquarePants “Campfire Song”.

Face-to-Face Collision

Face-to-Face Collision was one of those bands that the audience was really digging. Along with great stage presence, this band had an amazing vocalist, awesome guitar/bass players, and a really cool drum player where they covered two songs The Who's “My Generation” and Dire Straits “Sultans of Sins”. They were truly enjoyable and fun to watch.

Milk of Amnesia

Milk of Amnesia was an exciting band to watch. They covered two songs Bon Jovi's “It’s My Life” and Cream's “Sunshine of Your Love”. The audience was toe-tapping along to both songs enjoying the momentum that the band had created.

Processed

Processed had the crowd clapping and singing along to their awesome performance. They sent exciting vibes through their performance. The crowd had really gotten involved when they covered Joan Jett's “I Love Rock and Roll”, and they really enjoyed their second cover of The Beatles' “Get Back”.

Scotland Yard

Scotland Yard really involved the crowd while performing. With their great performance, they ripped the rock and roll out of their hearts. You could tell they literally felt the music in their hearts. They were the only band to write an original "The Bridge" along with their awesome cover of Rage Against the Machine's “Killing in the Name”.

Where’s Wales?

Where’s Wales? filled the gym with high energy with their spunky and creative attitudes that shined through while they were on stage. They had great presence which was topped off when the lead vocalist walked on with a tangerine coloured boa. With great covers of Radiohead's “Paranoid Android”, The Who's “Pinball Wizard”, and great clothing and style, where could this band go wrong?

Report by Leeann Forbes for CityArts

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Ernie Ball Sponsors CityArts Rock Camps!

Legendary music industry leader Ernie Ball sponsors the CityArts Rock Camps.  The photograph shows the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp instructors and interns proudly wearning their Ernie Ball gear.  Ernie Ball strings and accessories are exclusively used in CityArts Rock Camp programs.  Our thanks for everyone at Ernie Ball USA for their support.  CityArts is proud be associated with such an innovative and dynamic leader in the music industry.  For more information, check our http://www.rockcamp.ca

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CityArts Rock Camp Week 3 Concert Photographs

Photographs taken by Devin Dubeau at the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp Week 3 Concert on July 23, 2010.  Visit http://www.rockcamp.ca for more!

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CityArts Toronto Rock Camp Week 2 Concert Photographs

Photographs taken during the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp Week 2 Concert on July 16, 2010, by CityArts Photographer Devin Dubeau.  For more photographs, audio and video, please visit our websites: http://www.cityarts.ca and http://www.rockcamp.ca.

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CityArts Toronto Rock Camp 2010 Week 2 Concert Photographs

Photographs taken on July 16, 2010, concert at the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp by CityArts photographer Devin Dubeau.

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CityArts Rock Camp Week 2 Concert Audio

CityArts Toronto Rock Camp Week 2 Concert audio is now mixed down and uploaded to RockCamp.ca!  Check out what the six young bands from the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp were up to on July 16, 2010, concluding with a thunderous performance by Orbital Death Ray and their original song "Doom".

http://rockcamp.ca/audio/summer2010.html

CityArts Toronto Rock Camp 2010 Week 2 Concert Review

The City Arts Toronto Rock Camp hosted its second successful concert of Summer 2010 on Friday July 16th, 2010. This week the variety took an even wider span as the groups performed everything from modern pop/rock to heavy metal. It was also a pleasant surprise to hear not only one but two originals as well as a cover of a song written by one of the band instructors during his high school year. The bands included Franklin the Geeraf, Orbiting Death Ray, The Bad Imports, Double Rainbow, Undecided and Would.

Franklin the Geeraf


Franklin the Geeraf was the high energy group who performed their own spin on Katy Perry’s “Hot ‘n’ Cold” and “Brain Stew” by Green Day. Their light and spunky attitude showed the audience the various shades of rock. 

Bad Imports


The Bad Imports provided a slightly more indie sound for the evening. Their song choices had a delightful edge due to the exotic voice of their lead singer. Despite their name, this band is not bad at all. 

Double Rainbow 



By far, Double Rainbow had the widest mix of sound. With one classic, Rush's “Close to the Heart”, a modern rock song, “Nothing to Lose”, and their own original. 

Undecided


Undecided brought the concert a more modern edge, with their song choices, How to Save a Life” by the Fray and a mash-up of “Wonderwall” by Oasis.

Would


Would brought everyone to their feet with their upbeat song choices, Ballroom Blitz, and The Ocean. They had everyone dancing and singing in the palm of their hand.

Orbiting Death Ray


Orbiting Death Ray was one of the two bands to write their own original song. Their second song was also an original written by their band instructor, Chuck Majir during his high school years with his band "Shovel". 

CityArts Toronto Rock Camp 2010: Week 2 Bands

A photo slideshow of album art and band photos from the second week of the 2010 CityArts Toronto Rock Camp.  Visit http://www.rockcamp.ca for more photogaphs, videos, and audio!

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Girls Who Rock at CityArts Toronto Rock Camp!

At the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp we are proud of all of our young musicians.  We are especially keen to introduce girls to the joys of playing in a band.  During Week 2 of the 2010 edition of the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp, five bands were led by female lead singers and one band had a female drummer driving the beat.  Photos taken on July 16, 2010, by CityArts photographer Devin Dubeau.

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Rock of Ages Lead Guitarist Tristan Avakian at CityArts Rock Camp

Tristan Avakian, lead guitarist for the hit musical Rock of Ages taught the Advanced Guitar Workshop at the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp in 2009 prior to heading to Italy as lead guitarist for We Will Rock You.  Tristan returns to the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp in 2010.  On July 21, 2010, Tristan gave a Master Class demonstrating how he works as lead guitarist, co-ordinating with other actors, musicians, the conductor and dealing with the score.  He also demonstrated his many tricks of the trade, wowing Rock Campers with his vocabulary of guitar sounds and techniques.  CityArts is proud to work with a musician of Tristan's skill and reputation.

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CityArts Toronto Rock Camp Week 3 Mid Week Report

The third mid-week at City Arts Toronto Rock Camp has finally arrived. Campers have already begun to choose their band names, songs they wish to play and think of logo ideas. It’s only the third day of week 3 however the final concert is only two days away and rehearsing has become a crucial part of every camper’s day. 

This week three clinics were available to each camper, guitar, vocal, and drums, which helped campers enhance their musical ability. With six bands this week, band members have chosen a variety of songs from different genres such as “Umbrella”, “It’s My Life”, “Sunshine of Your Love” and their own originals. 

Some band groups have already decided on their creative band names and logos, such as Elephants with Substance Abuse Problems, Milk of Amnesia, and Scotland Yard. Several band rehearsals and practices are hosted each day to prepare the campers for the concert. We anticipate the energy vibe will be sending us on Friday when they finally have the chance to perform.

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CityArts Toronto Rock Camp: Week 1 Concert

The CityArts Toronto City Arts Rock Camp gave their first performance for the summer to the public on Friday July 9th, 2010. The five bands from week one displayed their exemplary talent, passion and hard work as they took the stage for the first time. The bands provided a wide variety of song performances from classic rock favourites to the debut of a metal original entitle “Torture Me Gently.”

The line up included “Tofu Picnic”, “Walnut Face Machine”, “Beautiful Apocalypse”, “The Tone Deaf Bobsicles” and “Crust.” As each performance provided their unique style, it is safe to say there was a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Tofu Picnic

The more experienced bunch of teens by the name of Tofu Picnic gave a brilliant opening performance with the classic “Sweet Child O’Mine” and their modernized Ray Charles / John Mayer piece “I Don’t Need No Doctor.” With song selections from different genres and different time periods, it was a perfect start to the City Arts Toronto Rock Camp concert.

Walnut Face Machine

Don’t let the name fool you, Walnut Face Machine means serious business. They took the stage performing Jimi Hendrix's “Cross Town Traffic” and “Moon Age Daydream” taking the crowd by storm. The energetic group kept the momentum going and the audience on the edge of their seats.

Beautiful Apocalypse

With a total of three pieces, Beautiful Apocalypse was beautiful indeed. The songs performed gave a wonderful range of sound and feel. Song's included Die Mannequin's Do It Or Die, Led Zeppelin's Rock 'n' Roll, and Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb

Tone Deaf Bobsicles

The Tone Deaf Bobsicles was the high energy group that kept the audience toe tapping with the most high energy song selection and performance. Neil Young's anthemic Rockin' in the Free World was a highlight of their set! As the show came to a close, this was the ideal set up for the climatic end.

Crust

The heavy metal band, Crust, brought the show to an epic close with “Superman’s Dead” and an original song closing the night, “Torture Me Gently.”

Report filed by CityArts Rock Camp staffer Leeann Forbes

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CityArts Rock Camp 2010: Week 1 Bands

Band Album Cover photographs by Devin Dubeau shot during Week 1 of the
CityArts Toronto Rock Camp

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DJ Sara Simms Clinic at CityArts Rock Camp

Rock Campers fascinated by DJ Sara Simms and her clinic at the
CityArts Toronto Rock Camp on July 15, 2010.

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Daniel on Drums: Week 1 Concert at CityArts Rock Camp

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Sacha on Drums at the CityArts Rock Camp

Sacha on drums during the Week 2 Concert at the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp

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Sean on Lead Guitar: Week 1 Concert at CityArts Rock Camp

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Karsten Rocks the Stage! Week 1 Concert CityArts Rock Camp

Karsten on lead guitar during Week 1 of the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp

CityArts Toronto Rock Camp: Concert Photos Week One

Shot by Devin Dubeau on July 9, 2010, at CityArts Toronto Rock Camp.

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CityArts announces $5,000 in Scholarships for Keyboard / Piano

CityArts is pleased to announce the launch of a scholarship program
for young Piano and Keyboard players who would like to take the next
step and join a Rock Band! Twenty five (25) $200.00 scholarships are
available to young piano and keyboard players towards registration at
this summer's CityArts Toronto Rock Camp!

We realize that many talented young pianists have not had the
opportunity to play with a band. At the CityArts Rock Camp, students
play and record a variety of musical genres such as Rock, R&B, Jazz,
Funk, Alternative, Pop, and more! We'd like to introduce more young
piano players to the joys and challenges of playing in a band.
Experience electric keyboards, work with your band mates, and take
your playing to a new and different level.

More details can be found at http://www.rockcamp.ca

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CityArts Toronto Rock Camp: Week 2 Photos

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Drum Clinics at Rock Camp!

The CityArts Toronto Rock Camp is fortunate to have an exceptional drummer and educator on staff. Chris Lesso is in charge of working with the Rock Campers who are drummers throughout our six week CityArts Toronto Rock Camp Summer 2010 edition.  Drummers receive instruction throughout the week, both within their bands, and through our intensive Drum Clinics.  

Looking to improve your playing and join a Rock Band this Summer?  There is only one drum spot open for Summer 2010.  Sign up for a spot during Week Four (July 26th, 2010) at http://www.rockcamp.ca

For daily updates, follow us on twitter @rockcamp, @cityarts.ca and @torontorockcamp - more news coming daily from Canada's Biggest and Best Rock Camp!

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CityArts Rock Camp Week One

Week One of the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp, Summer 2010 Edition, kicked off on July 5, 2010.  Follow our bands as they progress through the week.  We've got exciting updates and special events planned for this summer!

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CityArts Rock Camp Training and Load In Day Schedule

On Friday, July 2, 2010, CityArts will be setting up the downtown Toronto location of the CityArts Toronto Rock Camp.  

1.  Equipment Pick Up:  9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Long and McQuade - Bloor Street Location

We need 3-5 of our  CityArts Volunteers and Interns at 9:30 AM at Long & McQuade Bloor Street / Ossington Street for equipment pick up.  We expect to coordinate the shipment of our Drums / Amps / PAs / etc. to our Camp location from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

2.  Camp Set Up and Volunteer Training:  11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, CityArts Rock Camp Location

Equipment should be arriving from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  We will set up all equipment (drums, PAs, Amps, etc.) in order to be ready for Monday.  Volunteers and Interns will be trained on set up and will be given their specific volunteer schedules for Summer 2010.

If you can make it for the Equipment Pick Up at L&M, please contact us in the morning of July 2, 2010.

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