VA Campus: Falls Church Session 1 Newsletter
A Note from the Director of Camp Levine
Dear Camp Levine Families,
We’ve had such an awesome time at Camp Levine this session! We’re thankful for you sharing your camper with us this summer. It’s been a pleasure watching them explore and enjoy the creative freedom that music and arts inspire. Our Camp Levine team is great, but the support of our Camp Levine community is what has made it all possible.
Whether this is your camper’s first or third summer at Camp Levine, we hope that through our theme “Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: Harmony in All Seasons,” we have provided a fun and engaging artistic experience.
We hope to see you next year!
Best,
Jazmin Goodson, Director of Camp Levine
A Note from the Site Director
Dear Families,
Thank you so much for sharing your kids with us over the past three weeks. I know you have many options for summer activities, especially in an area like ours, so we are incredibly grateful you decided to share your summer with us. It has been a pleasure to see the campers learn and grow, make new friends, try new things, find their voice, and live outside their comfort zones. I know I speak for all our faculty when I say your children have created a special place in our hearts. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and remember you always have a home here at Levine.
Kind Regards,
Paul
Site Director, Camp Levine Falls Church
PreK/Kindergarten Class
Our PreK/K campers are assigned to one teacher and camper group for the entire 3-week session. They explore music and the arts through singing, storytelling, arts and crafts, creative movement, and imaginative play.
The Flurries
PreK/K Session 1 has been a “flurry” of activity, with campers traveling through all four seasons in 14 days! In summer we asked “Mister Sun” (song) to come out and play, and went “Down By the Bay” (song) on “A Summery Saturday Morning” (book). We played on the beach (movement), improvised ocean sounds (instruments), built sand castles and cooled off with popsicles (crafts).
Summer turned into fall. We went “Way Up High in the Apple Tree”, visited the “Pumpkin Patch” (song, rhyme) and picked a few pumpkins (craft). “The Wind” (song) blew down the leaves (craft), so of course we raked them into a big pile and jumped right in (movement). We met “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” (book) and tried to not wake the hibernating “Grizzly Bear” (song).
Winter brought “Frosty Weather, Snowy Weather” (song). There was “A Snowy Day” (book) and we danced like snowflakes and built our own “Little Snowman” (movement/crafts/song). We met “Mr. Penguin” (song) and invited him to our party.
The cold days warmed into spring. A “Bluebird” and “Butterfly” visited through open windows (songs). It was a perfect time for “Planting a Rainbow” (book) of flowers and veggies (movement). We had to keep watch for “John the Rabbit” (song) jumping into the garden. We created the sounds of a rainstorm using rainsticks (craft/instruments) but it was not long before the sun peeked through the clouds and a rainbow appeared (craft).
Throughout the four seasons the Flurries also explored the violin, piano, percussion, and guitar with visiting instrument teachers. Now it is back to summertime and the end of camp. See you next year!
Morning Classes
Morning classes at Camp Levine are music an instrument focused. During the morning classes our campers grades 1-6 experience Instrumental Music introductions and instruction, General Music, Art, and Games & Sports. Read below to hear from our teachers about what your campers did during Session 1!
Music+ (General Music)
1st Grade
Students have focused on Winter songs and movement games. They have prepared an orchestration of a song called “If I Were A Snowman” using pitched and unpitched percussion instruments. They have also learned and will be presenting two circle games called “Frosty Weather” and “Four Skaters.” In addition to these performances, students have gotten to know each other through musical name games and learned about rhythm through various activities.
2nd Grade
Students have focused on the Japanese traditional song “Sakura” or “Cherry Blossom” to represent Spring. They have learned to sing in Japanese and play percussion accompaniment that orchestrates the song. Staying in Japan, students learned about traditional mochi-making and learned a fun hand clapping game and rhyme that mimics this process. They can’t wait to celebrate on Friday by eating real mochi! In addition to these performances, students have gotten to know each other through musical name games and learned about rhythm through various activities.
3rd/4th Grade
Students have been focusing on landscape features and how they are affected by the seasons. Most of their work has been around the Caribbean song “Four White Horses” which describes a river filling up because of the rain. They have learned pitched and unpitched percussion parts to accompany the original handclapping song. In addition to these performances, students have gotten to know each other through musical name games and learned about syncopated rhythms through body percussion patterns.
5th/6th Grade
Students have focused on a folk song from Norway called “Sol Fallera” which identifies the different weather elements and how they affect the Scandinavian landscape. They have paid lots of attention to 4-part canons, body percussion and Norwegian language to create their orchestration. In addition to these performances, students have gotten to know each other through musical name games and learned about syncopated rhythms through body percussion patterns.
Games & Sports
The campers have gotten an amusing blend of outdoor active games and indoor games, mixed with cooperative and competitive games. The children have enjoyed everything from Sharks and Minnows to Mad Libs. The teen apprentices have suggested (or invented) lively games that keep the children breathless from giggling and running. Shouts of laughter blending with music make Camp Levine a lively place this summer.
Violin
It was my pleasure working with all the students at Camp Levine. The Violin Focus Group will perform the Flower Song and Sea Saw.
In three weeks, we made great progress. The first week, we learned names and parts of the violin, posture, left hand position, and bow hold. We also did lots of left hand and right hand exercises to get used to holding the violin and bow properly. Also, we learned clapping different rhythmic patterns before we started playing with the instrument. In the second week, we practiced rhythmic patterns with the violin and bow. We put them together beautifully. We used open strings and added different rhythms to work on developing a nice bow arm. Also, we started the songs for the performance. Adding 1st finger on the finger board and keeping good left hand position & posture was challenging but all turned out great! In the final week, we are polished the Flower Song and Sea Saw. We are working on playing together, listening to each other, and counting together as a group. Thank you all for the hard work and patience!
Samplers PreK/K students also discovered violin and had lots of fun. We moved very slowly, and patiently. Now we all know that we need to be very careful and gentle with the violin and bow. We know how to hold the bow lightly and keep the violin still. Also, played with different strings and rhythms. We spent more time with bow exercises and tapping exercises to relax our mind and body. Thank you all! I am really proud of you!
Morning Sing
Each week, during Morning Sing, campers work to learn different songs with seasonal themes. Campers have been learning about different parts of a song, including the verse, chorus, and bridge. Campers have had the exciting experience of working with a live band made up of our focus instrument teachers. It has been a blast seeing the songs grow from soft mummers into full-blown songs. It is extra special because it is one of the few activities that all campers do together. This session the songs encompassed all seasons with “We are Gunna be Friends,” “Let it Snow!” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and the Camp Levine Song!
Art
In art class each camper has had a chance to show off their creativity and individuality through various art projects. In week one each group created a Name Art Design project that not only showcased their name in bubble letters, but displayed individual characteristics of each camper! In week 2 each group created a unique snowflake with cool colors and designs on them. Each snowflake was displayed on a backdrop for the final performance! Later in week 2 each class created a special spring flower using paper plates and acrylic paint.
In week 3 each class had separate projects to compete. The Drizzles created huge bumble bees using colored construction paper. The Fireflies created the snowflake backdrop for the final performance. The Autum Leaves created the fall leaves back drop for the final performance. The Frost group created the Raining Tacos backdrop and the Sunshine Backdrop!
Each camper’s contributions and creativity were utilized for this tremendous display of art. I am thoroughly impressed with each camper’s creative ability. This has truly been an amazing summer of artistic creation!
Percussion
The young percussionists first learned how to hold the sticks, how to stroke and some basic rudiments including the single stroke roll, the double stroke roll and paradiddles.
They were introduced that great American invention- the drum set. They were all very excited to begin learning a rock beat. It’s not as easy as it looks because they have to learn how to coordinate three limbs, but they persevered!
I’m also teaching them various rhythmic patterns.
I really enjoyed teaching them. It really moved me to see them encourage each other when one was having difficulties.
I feel very privileged to teach them. Web Grant
Guitar
It is great to be back at camp! The Focus Guitar students have mastered playing simple melodies with their thumb, fretting left notes, and even started strumming some simple chords. Looking forward to their performance of “Danny Boy” as our camp piece. It was wonderful introducing Pre/K and sampler to the guitar. They were a great audience while listening to the performances of “Milwaukee” by Ben Verdery and “A Day in November” by Leo Brouwer. PreK/K enjoyed trying out the guitar as well. Sampler class practiced playing some simple tunes on open strings and fretting the A,C, & D notes on the guitar. It was wonderful time at camp sharing guitar music with all the Campers.
Piano
Throughout the camp session, our piano class has been focused on introducing fundamental musical concepts and fostering collaborative skills. We covered basic black key patterns, note names in both treble clef and bass clef, and engaged in note quizzes and games. Students learned rhythms ranging from quarter notes to whole notes and rests. Students play various songs including “Hot Cross Buns,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Bunny Song,” “Ode to Joy,” “Spring” among others. The Sampler class emphasized piano experience through interactive song sessions, while the Focus group concentrated on developing piano skills and fostering teamwork.
Afternoon Classes
Afternoon classes at Camp Levine are musical theater focused. During the afternoon classes our campers grades 1-6 experience Dance, Drama, and Choral music classes. These 3 classes collaborate to produce a musical theater performance at the end of the session. Read below to hear from our teachers about what your campers did during Session 1!
Drama:
It has been such a joy working with your kids during this session of Camp Levine! All of them are so enthusiastic and willing to try new things. The first week of camp we played some ice breaker games and learned about the different skills we needed for drama class, which included: imagination, creativity, projection, annunciation, and most importantly… concentration. With these building blocks we now were able to start implementing these skills with some improv games. We learned how to quickly create characters, relationships, and situations within a scene and how to make these aspects very specific so the audience knew what was going on. We also worked on movement and physicality. In order to create a character we have to know how they move. What part of the body do they lead with? Are they older or younger than we are? How does that affect how we move? We did a movement exercise where I called out a different part of the body and that is what they had to lead with as they walked. Atthen end of the exercise we discussed how this impacted how we moved and how we felt compared to our normal everyday walk.
As we approached the second week we began the process of auditions for the final showcase. We talked about what kind of skills we needed in order to audition and how to develop a confident and positive mindset going into them. Each one of us has our own unique and special skills to offer so the more we can be ourselves the better! We cast the show and then began staging for the final showcase while also continuing to work on some of our improv. We started discussing what objectives are for an actor and how we can achieve them in our showcase. We also continued exploring how to improve our physicality and project our voice.
The third week we started to combine all three classes and put drama, singing, and dancing all together! It was so great to see how quickly they learned so many different theatrical skills and then to see them applied in our classes.
Dance:
The three-week dance class at Camp Levine was an exhilarating journey for students from 1st to 6th grade. We explored creative movement and learned foundational elements of hip hop, lyrical, and jazz dance styles, guided by “Miss Nya”, a passionate instructor. Friends not only learned choreography but also had the opportunity to contribute their own creative ideas, making each dance piece unique. They were challenged with memorizing dances and singing along, adding an extra dimension to their learning. Throughout the session, laughter and fun filled the studio as we worked collaboratively to create a joyful dance experience. The Fireflies and Drizzles brought the giggles with “Raining Tacos”, while the Autumn Leaves brought the boogie with Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “September.” Finally, the Frosts’ kept it cool with “Ice Ice Baby” and “White Winter Hymnal”. The culmination was a spectacular musical theatre performance where their hard work and dedication shone brightly for all to see!
A Note from Miss Nya: Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with us, it has been my joy and greatest pleasure to share the love of dance with this musical crew! <3
Choral:
My name is Ms. Audrey and I’ve been the Vocal Teacher for Session 1 here at the Falls Church location. In the first week, I started teaching them the songs for the final performance. This included the whole camp ensemble songs and their group songs. In addition, each group collaborated to write their introduction song that will be performed in the final show. Throughout the week, we also played some games here and there, such as musical chairs and Encore!
The second week involved solidifying the songs that they had learned, with a break on Games Day to watch part of a movie! Then a run through of all their songs on Friday in preparation for the final week.
Week 3 is focused on combining their learned songs with their dances, and then putting everything together with the drama teacher to finalize the end of session performance! I hope your camper has enjoyed being in my class, and I look forward to finishing this performance of Harmony In All Seasons!
Check out photos of our campers from Session 1! They had an awesome time exploring the seasons through music and the arts.
From the Teen Apprentices
TAs from the Frosts:
The frost group has been working hard throughout camp in all their classes to prepare for the final performance. In dance, they learned a variety of different styles, with their favorite being a high energy hip-hop routine to the song “Ice Ice Baby”. In drama, they did a great job taking on the lead roles in the play and memorizing their lines. They also spent time improving their improv acting skills at the beginning of camp. In music plus, they learned a traditional Norwegian folk song about the weather that they can sing and play on a variety of different orff instruments. When the weather cooperated, they were able to go outside for sports and games and play their favorite game, ultimate frisbee. In vocal/choral, they helped write a song about winter used to introduce the frosts. Overall, the frost group did a great job serving as examples for the younger campers and their hard work will not go unnoticed in the final performance.
TAs from the Autumn Leaves:
The Autumn Leaves are a fun and lively bunch! From singing their hearts out to showing off their moves, this bunch always tried their hardest in every class and were always supporting their peers and friends. In art, each camper eagerly got to work to represent each season through their creative minds, but the creativity didn’t stop there. Every camper excelled in drama, using their words and actions to keep the act going and never forgetting to enunciate, cheat out, and concentrate! Throughout these three weeks the autumn leaves have shown how to be great friends, be responsible, and most importantly; have fun! We thoroughly enjoyed having the autumn leaves this year, and hope to see them again next year.
TAs from the Fireflies:
Throughout the first session of camp Levine with the fireflies, the campers have enjoyed of mix of classes and activities. One of the notable activities that all the campers enjoyed was art class. The campers used their creativity to make snowflakes, leaves and flowers made of plates. In three weeks, the kids really showed artistic growth and enjoyment. The kids also enjoyed music + where the learned the basics of rhythm and how to keep a beat. In dance the really liked doing choreographed dance moves as well as free dance. Finally, they enjoyed games class where they could play a variety of games both inside and outside. Overall, the kids learned and played a lot, all while becoming better musicians.
TAs from the Drizzles:
The drizzles have had a great time at Camp Levine this session!
They travel to different classrooms and classes to explore the 4 seasons in diverse ways. In art, they created a DIY object to represent each season (snowflakes, leaves, flowers, and bumblebees). In music + they have learned and played along with different winter themed songs. In sports and games, they played a variety of different games such as ghost in the graveyard, animal trivia, and follow the leader. In sampler they have been able to play 4 different instruments (percussion, piano, guitar, violin) and have had a lot of fun getting to “sample” each one of them. In vocal choral, they have learned a bunch of different songs to contribute to the final performance and even wrote their own song. In drama, they have played many different games that have to do with theater arts including, duck duck animal and ships and sailors. Finally, in dance, they have learned a few different dances to contribute to the final performance including the song “Raining Tacos”. The drizzles have had a blast in each and every class.
TAs from the Flurries:
The flurries (pre-k-k) have participated in a multitude of fun, season themed activities! They enjoyed playing games like sharks and minnows, what time is it Mr. fox, and freeze tag, and playing with parachutes outside. They played various singing games inside and learned two songs: Mr. Sun, and a tree song at their final performance. They loved arts and crafts and their favorites included making a rain stick, a suncatcher, a pair of sunglasses, and construction paper popsicles. They also created a tree for every season. They used a cutout of their hands and different mediums to make green leaves, colorful leaves, snow, and flowers. During ‘visiting instrument’ the kids got to learn about violin, piano, guitar, and percussion. They did many different movement activities, and particularly enjoyed pretending to play at the beach, in the leaves, in the snow, and in a garden. During the last chunk of the day, they were able to participate in choice time where they could do choose to do things like draw, play with toys/play dough, play games, or look at books. Throughout the course of camp, the flurries have developed their social, artistic, and musical skills. It has been a pleasure watching them grow and have fun these past three weeks!