UCS elementary students are starting summer break on a positive note

A Utica Community Schools high school student wants to make sure a group of elementary students are in tune with a love of music this summer.

Utica High School junior Mary Keta organized a four-day camp the first week of summer break to inspire her love of music with younger

"I want the kids to have a fun time and realize that music is awesome," Keta said. "I'm hoping that it will make the kids want to do something more with music in the future, whether it be in band or by learning an instrument on their own, including their voice."

Keta, who organized each piece of the camp at Utica High School, taught the students basic introductory musical principles such as reading notes, counting rhythms, meanings of musical symbols, and a few tips on writing and composing music.

Students integrated these lessons with activities designed to create excitement about music, such as setting up a duct tape "staff" on the floor and jumping on notes as they are called out, tapping out rhythms on homemade drums, or having a musical scavenger hunt.

Students were also shown how to make simple musical instruments out of household items such as a paper mache music note, a drum made of a can and a balloon, maracas made of paper towel rolls, rice, and beans, or a wind instrument made from milkshake straws of different lengths.

The ultimate goal, according to Keta, was to share a passion of music with younger students and inspire her students to take their interest to the next level.

By all accounts, it worked.

"It's been a lot of fun," said one student. "I really learned a lot."

In addition to inspiring the next generation of musicians, Keta raised $150 for scholarships.