Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music celebrates 48 years; ready to take the stage after weeks of rehearsal

“What we’re really trying to create is a lifelong love of music. Whether that turns into kids pursuing music outside of school, or just being great audience members, or just people who love music and understand it. We’re trying for it all.” says Jaymi Daniels, the music director for KISSM.

For many students, the experience is about more than learning musical skills – it’s also about returning each summer to make friends and step outside their comfort zones long before facing a live audience.

“I especially like the dances… me and my friends we like to at sleepovers, we choreograph our own little dances and we have one friend to sing it, so I enjoy doing that. It’s basically the same thing.” Elizabeth Ford told CFJC Today, who is playing Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music.

Each student’s hard work now shifts from rehearsals to the stage.

Throughout the week, audiences will see everything from the Sound of Music Youth Edition, to We Will Rock you, a showcase concert for instrumentalists and even SpongeBob the Musical.

“There are lots of different parts, lots of good songs.” says Elizabeth.

“Music is for everyone and we want to be able to give everyone the opportunity to experience it.” added Daniels.

For the last three weeks, students have been preparing for the spotlight, but organizers say the lessons they’re learning are meant to last long after the final curtain.

Tickets can be bought online through the Kamloops Music Collective website.

by Jeremy Russo

Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music celebrates 48 years; ready to take the stage after weeks of rehearsal

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