*Learn to Loop with OkCello *
*Learn to Loop with OkCello *
Summer Camp
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Summer Camp 〰️
What is (Live) looping?
Live looping is the recording and playback of a piece of music in real-time using either dedicated hardware devices called loopers or phrase samplers, or software running on a computer with an audio interface.
Do you have a young musician or vocalist who has expressed interest in looping?
The Learning to Loop with OkCello camp will help your student take those first steps to being able to play, record, and overdub live!
This week-long camp will
Identify the hardware your student will need to amplify and process their sound and show them how to use it.
Teach them the skills and help them develop the coordination necessary to design and build basic loops.
Teach them how to use looping as a tool for practicing, song writing, and performing.
The camp is for 6th to 12th graders and will have a 1 to 7 student ratio.
The camp will be hosted at Drew Charter School from 9-3:30 Monday through Friday, June 26th to July 1st, 2022. There will be a culminating concert for the student’s family and friends on that Friday afternoon, July 1st.
The cost of the camp is $1000 with gear (either you already have it or you plan buy it before the camp) or $1500 if you need me to buy it for you. Lunch will not be provided.
Already know that this is the right camp for your child? Great! Fill out the Registration Form here.
If you have question about the camp or would like more information, please fill out form below.
Camp FAQs below the form.
Learning to Loop with OkCello Camp FAQs
Who is OkCello?
Okorie “OkCello” Johnson is an American cellist-songwriter whose artistry integrates cello performance, live-sound-looping, improvisation, and storytelling - all culminating in original compositions that collide classical with jazz, EDM, reggae, and funk.
His music is inspired by the exploration of African Diasporic melodies and narratives and their intersection with people’s perceptions and assumptions about the classical and European nature of the cello. As well, his work with improvisation attempts to embody the phenomenon of wordless prayer.
In 2021, Okorie OkCello Johnson was selected to be one of the presenters at the Democratic Republic of the Congo Biennale (Scheduled for September 2022) for his proposal of a sound installation project entitled “Vessel of Breath,” a meditative cello composition comprised of harvested sound, collaborative compositions, and community interviews. In addition, he was selected to participate in the Kennedy Center’s artist residence program entitled Office Hours (scheduled for March 2022), in which he will begin workshopping the process for the sound installation project above. 2021 also saw his inclusion in the InStyle February issue, which identified him as a member of the “Creative Class Making Atlanta the New Epicenter of American Arts.” He was also identified in Atlanta Magazine’s “Atlanta Rising Creative Class [that] Is Gaining New Recognition on the National Scene.” Finally, a documentary he scored for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “Imperfect Alibi” won a regional Emmy, he released his third studio project Beacon in September of 2021, and in December, he released a holiday album entitled, An OkChristmas.
What is the Camp Curriculum?
Day 1
Looping concert by OkCello
Overview of Amplification and Looping
Putting together your personal looping gear
Day 2
How best to use your looper and instrument
Mechanics and Coordination of Looping
Workshop your first original looped song
Day 3
Concert from Local Looper
Mechanics and Coordination of Looping
Explore looping as practicing aid, songwriting tool, and performance aid
Day 4
Concert from Local Looper
Mechanics and Coordination of Looping
Workshop song/performance for Friday’s concert
Day 5
Concert from OkCello
Workshop Pieces
Family and Friends Concert
Do I need to have equipment already?
No! Once you register, Okorie will consult with you on what equipment you need and how/where to get it!
Do I need to play an instrument?
Yes. Students should either play an instrument or sing. And ideally, each student should be able to sing or play at an intermediate level.
What equipment do I need?
Although all students will need an equipment consultation before attending camp, here is a general list that gets them started.
Basic Equipment Checklist (As much as $500 depending upon micing and amplification needs)
Microphone/Pickup (If necessary)
Cable from mic/pickup to looper
Looper
Cable to PA
Headphones with 1/4” cable adapter
Amps/PA provided by camp. However, if your student desires to perform away from camp, owning an amp may be necessary.
