Adult Music Camp 2019
This past Victoria Day long weekend marked the third installment of the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Adult Music Camp (AMC). The weekend was put together by the team from the Music & Gospel Arts department (MAGA). It’s a time to meet up with old friends and make new ones. A time to let the word of God flow through the music and enrich you. The first year was held at Redeemer College in Hamilton. The last two have been held at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre.
Special guests this year were Andrew and Sue Blyth from the UK, with Bible led by Majors Kevin and Loriann Metcalf. The seventy-five attendees came from as far east as Newfoundland and as far west as Alberta, with twenty-one of the attendees coming from Bermuda.
Fun & Fellowship
Practices started on the Friday evening, followed by fun and games at a “Get to Know You” session led by Bill and Judy Way. Saturday included worship and Bible teaching led by Major Kevin, as well as a “Meet the Guests” session in the afternoon. The theme for this year was a “Night at the Oscars,” so on Saturday evening, everyone dressed up in their finest and walked the red carpet.
Sunday comprised of a round of “Jeopardy Goes to the Oscars” with a talent show to top off the day. “My favourite part is always talent night,” says attendee Karen Allington. “I am always blessed by the items that are presented.” The weekend is rounded off with a final program on the Monday.
The Music
Andrew had the privilege of leading the band – the largest one to date. Rehearsals were more than playing great music. Quite often, Andrew would take a few minutes and explain the meaning behind the music. “My favourite part of his rehearsal is hearing all of the Scripture that is referenced in the music,” says Allington. “If you take a close look at Andrew’s scores, you will see that they are covered in Scripture references. His heart is in every piece of music.”
Like Andrew, Sue also dove deeper into the music she brought to the vocal group. “Sue was a fantastic leader who inspired every lady there to think about the words we were singing and convey the message of the words in a musical way,” says Heather Robertson. “Rehearsals with Sue were definitely filled with energy. She always demonstrated a sincere joy in her singing and in the music we were reading.”
The weekend goes by in a flash but it’s worth every minute. You leave having met new people, reconnected with old friends, learned some great music, and most off all, filled with the glory of God. “Whether you’re a beginner instrumentalist/vocalist or have been involved in music your whole life,” says Robertson, “AMC has something for everyone. And don’t forget the candy buffet!”
Photos: MAGA, Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory Originally published in the June 2019 issue of MAGA//ZINE
