Inaugural Camp DJ Memphis builds new skills
Campers tapped their feet and bopped their heads to 16 measures before mixing the turntables to drop the next beat.
Inside the depths of the old-breadfactory-turned--music-venue known as Minglewood Hall, seven campers learned about the basics of becoming a DJ from local radio personality Devin Steel.
Camp DJ Memphis was a concept Steel thought of with his music friends throughout the year. Their goal was to provide a creative outlet and tangible skills for children in Memphis during the summer.
“Learning how to DJ is more than just punching buttons on a computer,” he said.
Steel brought in guest lecturers to the week-long camp, and they shared their path to becoming DJ’s. Guest lecturer Bryan “DJ Quiji” Barnett spent the week volunteering his time and equipment with the up and comers.
“I really enjoy teaching kids, especially when they are receptible to what I am trying to teach,” he said. “That, and the energy that they give, makes me want to reciprocate that.”
During the week-long camp, stu-
dents learned the basics of the equipment, DJ terms and how to mix music. They put together a showcase at the end for their families to enjoy.
One camper, Samara Hardaway, 13, was not particularly excited when her parents signed her up for DJ camp. Her mother Zipporah Chatmanwanted to find a camp that would expand her daughter’s horizon.
“She was not excited over summer camp, but she dove into this and has loved it since the very first day,” Chatman said.
After spending time with the other students and getting to know the guest lecturers, Hardaway said she discovered how to break out of her shell and learn new skills.
“It’s the funnest camp I’ve ever been to because there’s not a lot of people and nobody judges you since everyone is a beginner here,” Hardaway said.
Steel called this year's inaugural camp a success, and he plans to do it again next year.