Last week, something truly special happened in Woodlawn.
Mason Music Foundation hosted its first-ever full-day summer camp, and it was everything we dreamed it could be—full of music, movement, laughter, creativity, and most importantly, connection.
Months ago, our team began imagining what it might look like to create a summer experience that would open the door to music for more students in our community. We knew we wanted to connect with new families, expose children to the joy and discipline of music, and offer parents a high-quality camp experience that was both enriching and accessible.
From the very beginning, we knew that to truly serve the Woodlawn community, this camp needed to be more than just a few hours of music each day. By offering a full-day experience, we created space for deeper engagement, growth, and connection. Each morning, students participated in small-group lessons in piano, guitar, drums, and voice, led by our passionate and talented teaching artists. These sessions went far beyond learning scales and songs—they were about building confidence, uncovering hidden talents, and giving kids the tools to express themselves through music.
But the learning didn’t stop there. Each afternoon was all about connection, creativity, and fun. Campers enjoyed playground time, games, and large-group arts workshops designed to spark imagination, expose students to new art forms and bring everyone together.
One of the most exciting parts of the week was the opportunity to partner with other amazing organizations in our area—groups that share our mission of uplifting youth through the arts. We are incredibly grateful to:
- Cornerstone School for generously allowing us to use their playground
- Chris Davis Improv for helping our students stretch their creativity and sense of humor
- The Flourish for sharing the rich traditions of African drumming
- K.R.U. (Knowledge, Rhythm, Understanding) for introducing our campers to the four elements of Hip Hop—MCing, beat making, graffiti, and breakdancing—in a workshop rooted in peace, love, and self-expression
- Voltron Screen Printing – for teaching our students about the art of screen printing and allowing them to print their own camp shirts
These workshops weren’t just fun—they gave our students access to new ways of learning, expressing themselves, and seeing the world.
To close out an unforgettable week, we invited families and the broader community to the historic Woodlawn Theatre for a movie double feature. Our campers kicked off the afternoon by performing the camp song they learned and practiced all week—an inspiring moment that brought big smiles. Then, we all enjoyed Sing and Sing 2 together—because what better way to end a music-filled week than with music-filled movies?
We are so proud of what our students accomplished in just one week, and so thankful to every partner, parent, and supporter who made this dream a reality. We loved getting to know each child and we’re already looking ahead to next summer. The joy, growth, and connection we witnessed last week reminded us exactly why we do this work. This camp was just the beginning of what’s possible when music, community, and opportunity come together!
