A group of local students are expanding their musical horizons this summer.

  Henry For Music kicked off its Summer Camp Thursday at the Fairview Recreation Center in Stockbridge.

  The students, ranging from late elementary to middle school, participated in their first rehearsal with instructor Jennifer Bain, orchestra teacher at Ola High School.

  Bain is in the process of meeting with camp participants over four sessions this summer. Her goal, she said, is for kids to have fun and to learn how to play different styles of music.

  Bain said the camp builds on an orchestra program which instructor Bridget Long launched at the end of 2018.

  “The camp is a continuation of what Bridget Long was teaching them during the school year,” said Bain. “We are teaching them how to read music and to learn music by ear.”

  Bain said campers kicked off the endeavor Thursday by learning traditional fiddle songs.

  “They’re learning the song ‘Spotted Pony’ by ear, and the other song they’re learning is ‘Ready, Set, Fiddle,’ off sheet music,” she said. “A lot of it will build on what we did the previous week. It really just depends on how well they learn. I know our goal is to recruit more students so they can learn more instruments in August.”

  Bain said the camp will serve as a “bridge” until August, when music instructors will be able to guide the students more deeply. She said when it comes to playing fiddle music, each student in the camp is approaching their task with a different skill level.

  “Some kids, it’s difficult for, and others it’s easy,” she said. “Everybody’s good at something. It’s just a matter of trying to find it.”

  Bain will be assisted throughout the camp by Jessica Hutcherson, a senior music education major at Clayton State University. Hutcherson was recommended for the endeavor by Dr. Richard Bell, a professor who oversees the orchestra program at the college.

  Hutcherson said she has enjoyed her role in the program thus far.

  “For the first session, I did an intro to jazz for the students,” said Hutcherson. “We helped them to learn a variety of pieces and prepare a solo repertoire for the next concert in the coming weeks.”

  Hutcherson said the kids in the program are “a pleasure to work with.”

  “They want to learn, and you can tell that they really enjoy playing the   instruments,” she said. “They’re very attentive and receptive.”

  Hutcherson said she regrets being unable to participate in a summer-camp program for kids when she was growing up.

  “I really wish I would have, because it would have helped me to understand the environment more,” she said. “Being a part of an orchestra program gives you a sense of community that you wouldn’t get anywhere else.”

  Bain added that the Summer Camp will also include what she called “Olympic Day” at a local library.

  “They’re going to have a few kids play solos, and then we’re going to have orchestra games for the kids to have fun with,” said Bain.

  For more information, e-mail henryformusic@aol.com.