Many young women are impacted by media and the prevalent narrative that places a girls worth based on her body size and looks. Just look at popular pop stars such as Taylor Swift, Katie Perry and Britney Spears; their love lives, and looks have been endlessly scrutinized, sending the message that these details are more important than their actual musical talent. Alternative messages can provide young women with an opportunity to find passion for music that goes far beyond their looks, shape or who they are dating.
The New Black Girls Rock Camp is trying to do just that, by introducing girls between the ages of 10-17 to rock music. Headed by Nicola Lefevre of the Sequicons and supported by several other local female musicians including Jennifer Brake (Sequicons), Alexis Nederhoff (enemy.envy, The XOXOs) and Miesha Louie (Miesha and the Spanks) as well as local photographers and stylists. This camp offers an opportunity to learn about rock basics, including the history of rock, important female contributions, how to sing, play an instrument, and navigate media while maintaining a healthy sense of self. The set up itself promotes positive communication and an opportunity to make new friends, as the girls will hopefully form a band through the process. No previous musical experience is necessary, and the camp will provide instrument rental, a camp shirt, lunches, workshop materials, CD and more.
It’s not the intent that every young women walks away wanting to be a rock star. “The best I can imagine is that a group of girls who had no idea that they could do this come out of the week having accomplished something amazing” says Lefevre. “That is, successfully forming a group and writing and performing music. At the end of camp I’m sure there will be a number of girls who fall in love with that aspect of it, but maybe someone figures out that they’re really not great at playing an instrument, but they would love to try being a recording engineer or a sound tech or a band manager. Or maybe they would just love to listen to more music and go to shows.”
This generation of young women, more than other, are barraged with media images that can impact their perceptions of themselves, including self esteem and body image. There can be real consequences for young people if they are struggling with a low sense of self worth, including mental health issues such as depression, addictions and eating disorders. Supporting young women in finding things they can be passionate about can be an empowering experience which can negate risk and support healthy self esteem. Rock Camp is an exciting, fun and positive way for young women to experience cool role models, learn new skills, make new friends, and an opportunity to highlight talents.
The camp runs March 25-30, 2013 with a final show on the Saturday, which will be held at the New Black Centre for Music and Art. The participants will have the chance to practice styling themselves for the performance and will have a photoshoot with a professional photographer. The bands will put on a performance along with two local acts. If you know of any girls who want to rock, they can email Nicola Lefevre to register.