Imagine picking up an instrument for the first time and learning to play it in five days. And not only that, but forming a band, writing a few songs and even putting on a concert before the week ends.
That’s the idea behind Girls Rock Vegas, a summer camp that teaches girls – many of whom have no experience – to create and perform music.
Heather Rampton is a percussionist and knows first-hand what it’s like to be a girl in music.
For that reason, she founded Girls Rock Vegas with the hope of empowering young women to create without inhibition. Since 2009, 300-plus students have attended the camp, with many returning year after year.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
You went to school at Las Vegas Academy and played in the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra. What about those experiences convinced you to create your own program?
They're excellent programs. I learned so much from both of those programs. Girls Rock Vegas brings something a little different to the table. Girls Rock Vegas is about rock 'n' roll, about writing music rather than just performing it and creating music in a group.
And we tried to work with students who might not benefit from those classical music programs. We think music education is important for all kids whether or not they've been playing the violin since they were three or they're 14 and never touched an instrument before.
What is about rock 'n' roll in particular?
Rock 'n' Roll is the voice of a generation right? Rock 'n' roll is the voice of dissent. It's the voice of fighting against oppression. That's why rock 'n' roll has been important to young people ever since its inception.
What are some of the hurdles you faced or other women and girls face when they try to become musicians?
I think that the avenues for female musicians in what are considered non-traditional instrument roles, percussion, brass, guitar, a lot of instruments considered 'boy instruments.' I think that the hurdles are not as big as they used to be, but they are still there.
This is an all-girl camp:
I think it's important for girls to have a safe space where their voices can be heard, both literally and figuratively.
The fact that it is an all-girl camp means that that kind of harassment and that kind of discrimination shouldn't happen. It should be a safe space where girls can create. Where girls can develop friendships without the fear of being harassed. That rape culture, that harassment is so prevalent and giving our girls a space where they can make rock 'n' roll without fear of being judged by what they look like or what they're wearing and without pressure to be sexualized.
Heather Rampton, founder, Girls Rock Vegas; Dan Pereira, student; Chloe St. George, student