Youth bare souls in camp performance

In its second annual public performance at the Indiana Memorial Union on Friday, IU's Camp S.O.U.L. showcased the talent and discipline of high school-aged youths from across Indiana.\nThe camp, which stands for "Students Obtaining Unique musical Levels," is a week-long program that teaches a group of roughly 30 students the history and culture of African American music through instruction, practice and performance. In addition to providing musical instruction, the camp seeks to encourage high school students to attend college by exposing them to the college lifestyle. Attendants of the camp are also treated to several concerts throughout the week, in order to introduce them to various musical genres. \nTyron Cooper, director of Camp S.O.U.L., helped create the camp at the suggestion of Mary Tourner, director of IU Community and School partnerships, which funds the program. \n"I've always wanted to create a musical camp, and Mary Tourner came here and asked if I wanted to help," he said. "I already had a roadmap, I just needed some type of support." \nAccording to the camp's mission statement, the goal of Camp S.O.U.L. is to "create a unique musical environment centered in African American traditions by promoting unity, professionalism, discipline, self-respect, cultural awareness and academic excellence that allows every student the opportunity to form a plan of action that will make their dreams and goals a reality." \nCooper also hopes students will gain practical knowledge from the camp. \n"It provides a sense of discipline to students, so they can apply it to their own lives when they leave Camp S.O.U.L.," he said.\nOne of the ways the camp reaches this goal is through a list of ten rights students are required to memorize and recite on command. These rights encourage students to "think analytically at all times," "challenge stereotypical images" of themselves, "help someone who is less fortunate" and "attend any college or university" of their choice. \nDavid and Jacquelyn Mack came all the way from Georgia for their granddaughter Darrica McDowell's performance in Camp S.O.U.L. \n"The kids are really excited about the things they've been doing all week," David Mack said. "It was marvelous." Students in the group sang and performed a range of instruments, including drums, keyboards, guitars and brass instruments. The hour-long performance integrated many musical genres, from the jazz and blues to gospel and soul. \nCooper said he found one aspect of the camp most gratifying. \n"To watch these students grow up ... to instill so much information into their minds and watch them soak it up and immediately apply it, not just to music but to their daily lives, is so rewarding," he said. \nJames Jordan, an 18-year-old student from Gary, joined Camp S.O.U.L. for its second annual performance and camp. After attending many of IU's Community and School Partnership camps during his childhood, Jordan is now planning to attend IU in the fall as a business major. \n"I always used to say I wouldn't go to IU, but I started coming here in 7th grade for Pathfinders, and I like this environment," he said. "And Professor Cooper is here to help me on my way." \nWillie Robinson, a 17-year-old high school student also from Gary, said attending the camp has also made him consider coming to college here at IU. But he said he has learned one lesson in particular at Camp S.O.U.L. he won't forget. \n"Working with my section really just taught me to hold onto the groove," he said. "You don't move from the groove"