By Myki Angeline
Women have long since faced adversity in the music industry; especially in the rock arena. Many of the “top 10” lists in the music industry reflect this struggle, with the majority of artists being male singers and musicians. However, the Girls Rock Camp Alliance is an organization set out to change those numbers – and Girls Rock Sacramento is the latest music camp to help break that glass ceiling.
Founded by vocal instructor/singer Larisa Bryski and singer/bassist Emma Simpson, Girls Rock Sacramento launched its first music camp on July 17, 2016. A mini camp consisting of twelve girls ranging in age from 7 to 15, the young ladies were placed in a band and worked for five days creating an original song to prepare for the big performance at the end of the week. Coaches Sam Valentine and Katie Pryor mentored the girls as they learned guitar, drums, stage presence and team work. Not only did these young women learn about music, they also learned about empowerment, finding their voice, and collaboration. GRS provides a safe environment for all girls and those who identify as girls to be themselves and follow their dreams.
I had the honor of teaching the self defense workshop with the young women and found such a strong sense of community with this organization. I asked some of the camp-goers, volunteers and coaches what they got out of the experience, and the responses were synonymous: confidence and the bonding friendships.
To learn more about this organization and how to sign up for the next session, visit their website: www.girlsrocksacramento.org
Check out GRS’ interview with The Sacramento Bee below!
