Thirty-two students attended the Kids Community Music Camp at St. John’s Episcopal Church this August.

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

By Ronni Newton

For a week in late August, 32 children had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of music thanks to the Kids Community Music Camp sponsored by Music at the Red Door at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford.

“It is the highlight of my last week in August for the past five years,” said Ray Giolitto, operations director for Music at the Red Door.

This year the program – designed primarily for children who don’t have ready access to resources to support them as they explore their love of music – welcomed 32 participants entering third, fourth, and fifth grades. The cost is just $30 per child to attend, with assistance available as needed. There were also four sixth graders who helped mentor the younger students during the week-long camp, held Aug. 18-22, 2025.

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Violinist and music educator Calida Jones leads the camp, assisted by teachers Chantal Edwards-Matthews, Keenan Asbridge, and Nick Capozzoli.

“Each child attends daily classes including violin, drumming, dance, and choral singing. Every afternoon the camp welcomes a local guest artist to perform, participate in an interview, and respond to questions posed by the campers,” said Giolitto.

“And of course there is time for having fun, healthy snacks, and a boxed lunch from Gather 55 – Hands on Hartford,” he added.

The end of the camp program is highlighted by a Friday afternoon musical group “informance” – where families and friends are invited to observe and listen to the campers sharing with the audience how much they have learned in just one week, Giolitto said.

The 2026 Kids Community Music Camp will be Aug. 17-21. Visit www.reddoormusic.org for more information.

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

Kids Community Music Camp 2025. Photo credit: Virginia Kemp Photography

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