Youth Summer Camp at the Morikami

(PRESS RELEASE)_Delray Beach, Fla.– Kids who are passionate about music and enjoy cultural pursuits will march to the beat of their own drum this summer at the award-winning Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. 

Starting Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will transform into a virtual playground of incredible sights and sounds upon the return of its Youth Music and Culture Summer Camp. The immersive, five-day camp is open to students in grades 3 through 12. The curriculum features a rotating mélange of musical theory, history, culture, instrumental instruction, and an introduction to Japanese traditional arts.

Classes will include memorizing basic Japanese phrases, kanji numbers to read sheet music, and learning to play three traditional musical instruments—the taiko (drum), koto (13-string zither), and shakuhachi (bamboo flute). 

Feeling crafty? Students will get to build their very own paper versions of kotoinstrumentsto practice their finger techniques and lyrical compositions at home. On Day 5, camp will conclude with a recital concert by the campers alongside their instructors for their families.

Koto classes will be taught by Joseph Gashō Amato, a renowned koto master and coordinator of Morikami’s summer music program. The taiko classes will be led by one of the nation’s top taiko drumming groups, Fushu Daiko. Christopher Yohmei Blasdel will lead a special shakuhachi workshop, teaching the students proper breathing, posture, how to execute simple long notes and how to read Japanese traditional music.

Camp programs also include introduction to Japanese language and culture, block printing, Japanese calligraphy, arts and crafts, and more.

Cost is $250 per person. Advance registration is required and classes fill up quickly.

For more information, call (561) 233-1367 or visit morikami.org/event/japanese-traditional-music-program.  Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach.

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