Camp Kiya expands Songwriting and Audio workshops July 23-27

Have you ever wanted to write a song but didn't know where to start? Have you written songs and want to take them to the next level? Do you have a song you would like to record?

Camp Kiya has offered songwriting classes in the past, but plans to have a full workshop this year. Kerry Patrick Clark and Peter Romano are returning to head up the program. They will be joined by Max Valentino, who will also teach bass, percussion and guitar, as in past years.

Camp Kiya is a traditional music camp for the whole family. It will take place this year from July 23-27 in Tehachapi Mountain Park. Class levels range from total beginners to advanced. "From Scratch" workshops are available for those who want to try something new. A special "Acorn" program is available for children.

The songwriting workshop will have two levels. "Songwriting 101," is for absolute beginners, who will learn the form and craft. The goal will be for participants to come away with finished songs that they will be proud to perform at open mics.

For those who have some experience with songwriting already, the instructors will give ideas for editing and production that will make the songs really "sing." The next step in the workshop will be producing and recording the song, with Peter Cutler engineering. Various instrumentalists will be available among the instructors and campers to help put the right amount of production behind the songs. Special guest Gary Mazzola will also be on hand to contribute piano parts and other ideas.

Clark, Romano and Valentino are all experienced singer-songwriters with years spent honing their craft. Kerry Patrick Clark has given several concerts at Fiddlers Crossing and has produced seven CDs of his own songs. He toured as a member of the folk group the New Christy Minstrels. His songs have been used in film and TV. "Ground Zero," was included on Wolf Blitzer's CNN special commemorating the six-month milestone after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Peter Romano is the lead singer for The Brilliant Gypsies, a Celtic group that performed here in 2016 in St. Jude's, sponsored by Fiddlers Crossing. Romano gained experience in production as an in-house composer for The Actor's Studio. He performed his own songs at a Fiddlers Crossing First Friday last year, and participated in the venue's Christmas sing last December.

Max Valentino is the house bassist for the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield. He has been writing songs and composing tunes for years. He will be performing at the Farmers Market here on June 8 as part of a Camp Kiya Showcase.

Peter Cutler has been the engineer for the Folkscene radio show for over 40 years, as well as engineer and co-owner of Fiddlers Crossing. He will be on hand to give a workshop in recording techniques and sound reinforcement for acoustic instruments.

There might not be time enough to record everyone's song, so they will be recorded according to the dates of registration. To take full advantage of this opportunity, you will want to register as soon as possible.

This will be the ninth year for Camp Kiya, which is held in the group camp in Tehachapi Mountain Park. The mission of the camp is "to help keep musical participation and appreciation alive in Kern County by providing an opportunity for families and friends, children and adults, to explore music together in an affordable, non-competitive, non-judgmental and beautiful setting close to home."

Camp Kiya is a partnership between members of TPOPS (The Tehachapi Pops Orchestra), Mountain Music, Fiddlers Crossing, and other local musicians. Classes are taught by local musicians as well as outstanding professionals from around California. Instruments include fiddle, cello, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, bass, harp, keyboard backup, accordion, mountain and hammered dulcimer and more. Dancing, singing, improvisation, playing by ear and "jamming" round out the offerings.

Registration is open online at http://www.campkiya.com. Registration forms may also be downloaded from the website and sent in with a check, or call to use a credit card. For more information, call (661) 823-9994, or pick up a brochure at 206 East F Street or the Mountain Music display in the Tehachapi Treasure Trove or the Tehachapi Visitors Center.

Camp Kiya is sponsored in part by the Arts Council of Kern. The Arts Council has generously donated scholarship funding. Money is still available, but apply soon.