Write On! A Singer-Songwriter Camp with Kenny Hayes

Write On! A Singer-Songwriter Camp with Kenny Hayes

(date)

Orpheus Musical Theatre, 17 Fairmont Avenue

Ages 14+

Registration fee: $500/person

Camp Overview:

Are you someone who’s always wanted to write a song? Have you written a song/songs that you want to make better? Good news: this songwriting camp is made for you! This fun, supportive and enlightening songwriting camp with award-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Hayes is where you’ll learn how to harness your craft and make the best melodies, lyrics and well-rounded song that you’ve intended to make all along. The goal for everyone will be to finish one brand new song each, and one brand new group song that we’ll write together over the course of the week, culminating in a Friday afternoon concert of our new songs for your family and friends! No matter how you write or what you want to write about, your methods and ideas are accepted for this full week of writing and sharing your music. And so…write on!

What-If’s & FAQ’s:

What if I don’t play an instrument?

If you don’t play an instrument, that’s okay! You can always use your voice singing a cappella, or bring your phone and download a free instrument app.

What if I don’t read music?

If you don’t read music, that’s okay! All you’ll really need for writing the music you want to make is a pen or pencil, paper and/or a phone or another audio recording device.

What if I don’t want to sing my song?

If you don’t want to sing your song, that’s okay! However, it is encouraged that you try to sing your song. You’re in a supportive, encouraging environment where the goal is to improve the songwriting experience all-around.

What if I don’t have any backing track or accompaniment for my song?

If you have no backing track or accompaniment for your song, that’s okay! Kenny is always available to accompany you on the piano. Heck, maybe even one of your fellow campers will volunteer to play your accompaniment!

What if I want/need to store my instrument, food, etc?

If you want/need to store your instruments, food, belongings, etc. at Orpheus, that’s okay! It will be stored in a safe place for the week so that you don’t have to carry it around with you. Orpheus has refrigerators and lots of room for your guitar or small equipment for you to leave there. They also have five (5) keyboards available to use for the duration of the camp, so you’re very set!

What do I need to bring with me?

Anything that you need to feel your creative juices flow (ie. your instrument, a pencil, pen, paper, eraser, audio recording device, old songs you’ve already written or are wanting to work on, etc.), snacks, your lunch (or you can choose Subway or some nearby food outlet for lunch), masks, hand sanitizer and anything else to make you feel Covid-19-safe

What do you provide for the campers?

The supportive space to write, keyboards/pianos (five total), paper, pencils, a kitchen with refrigerators for your lunches/overnight storage, and lots of inspiration!

What can I expect to do this week?

This camp will not only bring out your best music, but it will provide you with tools, techniques, and tricks of the trade of songwriting that you can incorporate into your own creations. Included in the week's activities, you can expect:

• vocal warmups & exercises

• writing & brainstorming exercises

• singing in harmony

• listening, comparing & contrasting your favourite artists' songs

• the ins and outs of collaboration, as well as writing a song with your co-campers

• creating your own music over the course of the five camp days on guitar, keyboard/piano, your phone, whatever you think is best!

• performing your song(s) in a small, inviting and always-fun finale concert

A little more about Kenny…

Kenny Hayes is an award-winning singer-songwriter*, actor**, music director^, pianist, arranger, accompanist and private music instructor based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He released his first EP ‘Lightning…and Other Fears’ in June 2022, which includes his first single ‘Shower You Off Me’. He’s written music and lyrics for various stage productions, including the classic Canadian play 'Marion Bridge' by Daniel MacIvor (*Armagh Sifton-Price Award – Best Original Score & Theme Song), and the critically-acclaimed Ottawa production of Greek comedy ‘Lysistrata’ at The Gladstone. He has music directed theatre productions including ‘Rock of Ages’ (^Broadway.com Award Nomination – Production of the Decade), ‘Lysistrata’, his upcoming November 2023 production of ‘Twelfth Night’, and acted in his award-winning turn as Steve in ‘Henry’ (**Nepean Little Theatre Award – Actor in a Leading Role). He collaborated with singer-songwriter and producer Bryan Robert Kraan to release his most recent single ‘This Love Is Our Love’ on Feb. 1, 2024. With another single on the way, you can stream Kenny’s music anywhere and you can follow him on social media @kennyhayesmusic.

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