Otis Music Camp 2016 Wrap Up Video
After a hugely successful two weeks, the 9thAnnual Otis Music Camp wrapped up on June 17 with an amazing finale performance, when the campers and coaches showcased all the great music they've been working on this year. Our intern, Amanda Cameron, put together a great video highlighting this year's fun and hard work.
The Otis Redding Foundation’s 9th Annual Otis Music Camp took place from June 6 – 17 at Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music. The camp serves students with varied musical knowledge; however, no previous musical experience or knowledge of instrumentation is required. Professional musicians ranging from orchestra conductors and music students from major universities participate as camp coaches.
This year, the camp serviced over 60 young aspiring musicians from 12 to 17 years old, with over 30 receiving full paid scholarships for the two weeks.
“The move to Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music has been an exciting development in the growth of the Otis Music Camp,” says Karla Redding-Andrews, camp co-founder and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation. “We are so lucky to have such a wonderful partner in Mercer, and are grateful that Dean David Keith and President Bill Underwood value music and arts education in such a high regard.”
The list of presenters for the 2016 camp was as impressive as ever, including GRAMMY-nominated music producer Kevin “Khao” Cates, performer/producer/songwriter Wayne Vaughn (who has worked with Lionel Richie, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, and more), Wyann Vaughn (lead singer of the GRAMMY-winning trio The Emotions), artist manager Arron Saxe (manager at Jampol Management) and tour producer Jonathan Shank (senior management executive and tour producer at Red Light Management).
“We have some absolutely amazing friends and colleagues, both old and new, who are all very excited to be a part of this year’s camp,” says Redding-Andrews. “Every year we are just blown away at the generosity of all the sponsors and the industry professionals who are always so excited to share their treasure and time with these budding young musicians.”