By Myki Angeline
A non-profit near and dear to my heart is once again proving that girls ROCK, and not just in music. I am referring to Girls Rock Sacramento (GRS) whose mission is helping girls and those who identify as girls build self esteem through music education, collaboration, empowerment, a supportive community of peers and mentors, and the development of leadership skills.
To learn more you can visit their website at: girlsrocksacamento.com
I am one of many, many volunteers who donate our time, experience, effort, energy, and love for the pure joy of seeing these young women work together to create musical magic. Girls Rock Sacramento provides a safe place for them to speak up, rock out, and forge lasting friendships. No experience in music is ever required, and yet after 5 days of camp, each band creates a unique song from arrangement to lyrics with coaches to guide their efforts.
Established in 2016, this year marks their third season of summer camps for girls ranging in age from 7 to 17. This past June was their mini camp (7-12 year olds) and I was once again called upon to teach the campers self defense and self awareness; one of many workshops which also include craft-making, silk-screening merchandise, marketing tips, stage presence, and lunchtime performances by local area artists.
After the week is complete, GRS will host a showcase for family and friends to see each newly formed band perform their original song. There were two bands formed during this particular camp week; Star Catchers and We Are Girl Power (aka W.A.G.P.). Both bands gave an empowering performance – each with an original song that raised awareness for equality and encouraging us to love who we are.
Here is the live performance for “Equal” by Star Catchers, and the live performance for “Who You Are Is Who You Are” by W.A.G.P.
I attended this showcase and had an opportunity to interview some of the campers, their parents, and coaches.
8 year old Amina learned to play drums for her band Star Catchers. Her favorite part of camp was silkscreening the band’s T-shirts, and learning self defense. She even showed me that she had been practicing the moves I taught during camp! Her mother, Lucia (whose other daughter, Sofia is also enrolled) appreciates the confidence her daughters learn from participating in the camps, “getting up on stage and perform in front of strangers takes a lot of courage to do!”.
Bass coach Rebecca Sleeth is no stranger to teaching young people how to play instruments. A former Stairway to Stardom band coach, Rebecca loves the sense of pride and satisfaction she receives from seeing these young girls grasp the concept of playing and just owning it. What sets GRS apart from other organizations for Rebecca is how intimate the instruction is, and that there are other forms of empowerment like art, marketing, and activism.
Zuzu returns for her second year of music camp as one of the vocalists for Star Catchers. This 10 year old wonder played drums during her first camp experience. She particularly loved making the Peace flags, painting, and silkscreening merchandise. Zuzu’s mother, Nancy feels this camp inspires her daughter to be creative using music, art, and gives them an early start at using their voice to influence the world. In fact, Nancy noticed a huge confidence boost in Zuzu from her first year to this year, “last time she wasn’t too sure on trying out as a vocalist. This year, all three of her choices were to sing.”
Another GRS alumni returning to camp was 12 year old Rae who played bass for her band, W.A.G.P. Rae has been coming to camp every year since the beginning, but was too shy to participate in my self defense workshop. This year was different, because not only did Rae develop the confidence to overcome her fear and learn self defense, but she was also my assistant in teaching the moves to the rest of the campers. In fact, her mother Kathy noticed a tremendous leap forward in Rae’s ability and confidence level, “Rae suffers from anxiety disorder, so Larisa Bryski (co-founder) knew to expect very little at first. Rae started at the back of the stage during her first year. Now in year three, she is a leader, she’s very confident, with zero signs of anxiety.” Rae really loves participating and plans on attending the teen camp in 2019.
8 year old Laynie is a GRS alumni and daughter of co-founder, Larisa Bryski. During her first two years, she played the drums, but this time around Laynie decided to learn bass for her band, Star Catchers. Also an accomplished ukulele player, she states the importance of knowing which fret you are going to play. Laynie plans on attending camp again next year, and I joked with Larisa that she will end up learning the saxophone.
Keyboardist Lola for Star Catchers is another returning camper to GRS. The 11 year old participant says the highlight of camp for her this week was taking part in naming the band, and the kindness meditation workshop. Her mother Bridget says that being around other girls and women has provided an extra level of support for Lola during her growth stage, “Lola’s confidence level every year is higher and higher, especially in the changes she is experiencing with her body. All of the coaches were so good with her. Being around all of the positive female energy was good for Lola.”
Returning coach, artist and activist Xochitl saw a significant shift in the lyrical content of the songs this year, “their lyrics are so powerful – especially with everything going on politically right now. These girls are paying attention.” When asked what sets GRS apart from other youth organizations, she says it is all about support. Not only from every volunteer and coach, but also how the girls are encouraged to support one another instead of competing against each other.
Girls Rock Sacramento are gearing up for their teen camp this week and will host a showcase on Saturday July 28 at the Ace of Spades in downtown Sacramento, California. For tickets and information visit their Facebook event here.
