June 23, 2005

Summer singing camp set for Aug. 1-5

by Paula Davenport

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- If your child dreams of becoming the next "Idol," listen to this: Kids who attend a summer singing camp are also invited to perform at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game Saturday, Aug. 6.

The Southern Illinois Children's Choir is hosting the camp, open to singers in grades three through nine. Auditions will not be necessary.

Camp will meet from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 1-5, in Altgeld Hall at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Cost is $65 for those who also want a camp T-shirt and $55 without.

The week culminates with the campers' performing "God Bless America" in the stadium where the Cards will take on the Atlanta Braves.

Appearing at the game is optional and will cost each camper an additional $20.

Camp registration is open now through July 18. To sign up, contact Amanda Groves, one of the camp's coordinators, at agroves1@yahoo.com or call her at 618/559-2541.

Hosting cultural outreach activities is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the long-range plan the University is following as it nears its 150th anniversary in 2019.