July 9 – 11, Sigmund Stern Grove. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free: Kids Camp. The Magik*Magik Orchestra invites youth, ages 7 to 13, to discover the process of writing music, “classical and otherwise.” The focus is on what a composer does and how. Initially, children learn the qualities of melody and the roles of various instruments. Then they write a score themselves and on the last day it’s played by a string quartet of members of the The Magik*Magik Orchestra.
The orchestra, which was created to allow artists “of all stripes” — from Death Cab For Cutie to the Mark Foehringer Dance Group — to work with professional musicians and try out arrangements, is actually a ‘pick-up’ group of musicians who are graduates of such schools as the San Francisco Conservatory, Juilliard, the Peabody Conservatory, and the Eastman School of Music.
Those interested in the camp must register using this form. Only families and groups of less than ten kids will be able to register for Kids Camps. A parent/guardian is required to attend with registered youth. And a word to the wise: If you register, please attend. The program is funded by grants that reflect public interest — the more the interest, the larger the grant.
The Kid Camps are not to be confused with a similar, free summer program, “Kid Days.” The next of these is July 16-18, also at Stern Grove, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For ages 4 to 13. You may attend just one day per week. Pre-registration is required. This coming week features the Dholrhythms, a San Francisco-based Dance Company of women dedicated to sharing the rhythms and music of Bhangra and Giddha folk dances of Punjab, India. Classes introduce children to this particular dance culture.
And, don't forget: This Sunday, July 7, 2 p.m., Stern Grove welcomes the San Francisco Symphony performing with conductor Edwin Outwater. Perhaps anticipating Bastille Day, the orchestra’s program features Bizet’s Carmen Suite, and songs by Henri Duparc and George Gershwin, with soprano Measha Brueggergosman. The concert winds up with Gershwin’s An American in Paris, a perfect outdoor piece, if ever there was one.