Waltham High’s band camp teaches collaboration, confidence to young rockers

At Waltham High School this summer, rock magic is being made. The theater fills with passionate and lively sound while lights shimmer overhead. Vocalists Keylin Aguirre and Laylah Draper share a look of excitement as they raise their voices over the music. They shimmy with one another, sharing energy as they sing.

Meanwhile, drummer Celeste Fox keeps a steady beat, mentally preparing for her solo. She trusts in her abilities to carry the responsibility of guiding the band, her talent shining alongside the rest of the group. The guitarists follow her lead and blend their unique parts together to create a vivid melody.

These students are rehearsing for this year’s annual rock band camp performance, taking place at the high school on Aug. 5th. They meet here multiple times a week to practice, sharing tips and perfecting their individual sounds.

Since the camp’s establishment 22 years ago, students from ages 11 to 18 have worked hard to put on a brilliant show, forming bonds and building confidence in themselves along the way. The program allows students to learn and show off their musical talent in a unique way that sticks with them long after the camp’s end.

The camp was established by Waltham music teachers Kevin Burke and Kevin Coyne when they discovered that their students wanted to perform music together, but didn’t know how. Since then, students have said that they especially appreciate the collaborative approach of the camp, as it allows them to share their interests with others in a truly meaningful way. This year, 45 students have come together to put on a show.

“It almost feels like a sports team,” says Cody Caballero, who graduated from Waltham High this past year. “You just form these connections with people, you all have your own separate roles in the team so it’s like any team activity. It’s different than playing it alone in that you get to be with your friends and other musicians you admire, and make a really cool sound together that you wouldn’t get playing alone.” Caballero has been attending the program for 8 years, this year being his last.

Vocalist Aguirre offers a similar sentiment, saying that it is “beautiful and very energizing feeling the music [with everyone else].”

Students also say that the program has allowed them to build confidence in their abilities, both on the stage and in life.

“I feel like starting out I was more of a pop-ish singer, like I didn’t have any texture to my voice,” Aguirre says. “But now I’ve learned how to add that, I can hit way higher notes in my belting range… I’m not scared to fully give my 100% on anything.”

Drummer Celeste Fox agrees, saying she used to “hide behind the drums.” Being on the stage in front of everyone forced her to play loud, and taught her that music is all about the support from your bandmates. The program has allowed her to build enough confidence to have her own solo segment, which you can hear for yourself during the show.

The camp directors deserve some credit for these transformations. Many campers praise them for the guidance they’ve offered over the years, and for pushing their students to step outside their comfort zones. Aguirre points out that they are especially good mentors due to their real-world experience in music. “You can look them up on spotify and you’ll actually find them,” she said.

These hard-working students will put on a full performance on Aug. 5th at the high school, starting at 7 pm, with tickets available at the door ($15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students). It will feature songs from a variety of genres, including pop, motown and rock. The proceeds are donated to the Walter Tokarczyk Scholarship fund, which is given annually to one Waltham senior pursuing a career in music.

“It’s wonderful, these kids really enjoy performing music so it’s a pleasure to work with them, and they work super hard,” says Burke. “I watch them, how they practice and how they work together, and it’s just a valuable experience as a teacher, to work with such motivated kids.”