Union Summer Music Camp educates, brings fun for kids

JACKSON, Tenn. — The sound of music is rising on Union University’s campus.

“They tell me how excited they are and they can’t wait to come, and that’s exciting to me,” Dr. Betty Bedsole said about this year’s Summer Music Camp.

Elementary and middle school students grades one through eight are working to develop their sound with music leaders across the community.

“There are actually 50 volunteers for 150 students,” Dr. Bedsole said.

Madelyn Carson is one of those volunteers directing this year’s middle school chorus.

“I love working with middle schoolers. They’re goofy but they’re starting to come into their own voices, so they have an opportunity to make some really cool music,” Carson said.

From choir rehearsals to learning about other instruments such as handbells, xylophone and guitar, it’s a full week of music education. It’s not only rewarding for the students participating.

“I’m really thankful that I get to be a part of it, and I hope that more people get to be a part of it too, because it’s such a great music opportunity here in Jackson,” Carson said.

The week finishes off with a concert for the community. It is free and starts at 7 p.m. in Union’s Grant Center.