SUMMER CAMP REALNESS

In collaboration with the Youth Music Project and Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation

DIY Musical Instruments

DIYMI is a high-energy summer camp where we transform everyday objects into groovy musical instruments. From paper-plate shakers to water-bottle xylophones, we explore the "how" and "why" behind every note. Learn design, master ratios, and discover how sound moves the world—all while building your own collection of instruments to take home.

DIYMI Sign-up

Sound Sense

Sound sense is a mash-up of music and science - a multi-sensory exploration of the power of sound. Participants will experience how sound vibrations are created and move to help us interpret our surroundings. Through sound experiments, rhythm games, and movement activities, and music participants will discover the therapeutic nature of sound and how we use all of our senses to perceive it. Concepts learned open participants to listening as a state of being and understanding reconnecting our stewardship of the Earth and beyond.

Sound Sense Sign-up

June Realness

**June 22-26** • DIYMI Summer Camp, YMP/LOPR Kids 8-12
**June 30-July 11** • Madame Theremin Opera Workshop
SFCM, Performance July 11, 2026

The Mad Composer Lab

The Mad Composer Lab is a creative initiative founded by Kennedy Verrett, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. Inspired by a legacy of American musical innovation, the MCL (Mad Composer Lab) draws upon the experimental spirit of composers like Julius Eastman, Lou Harrison, Olly Wilson, and Pauline Oliveros.

A key focus of the MCL is interdisciplinary exploration, combining elements of music with research in Soundscape Ecology, the study of the relationship between humans and the environment mediated through sound.

The MCL’s compositional approach is multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of genres and traditions, from ancient folk music to contemporary electronic soundscapes.

Kennedy's compositions often reflect a deep engagement with profound themes, including the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, the complexities of human sexuality and spirituality, and critical social and political issues.

The MCL promotes accessibility and community engagement, sharing the work through diverse channels including live performances, recordings, and online platforms.

The Mad Composer Lab serves as a space of artistic experimentation and exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition and inspiring a more nuanced and inclusive musical landscape.

To learn more about Kennedy, please visit the bio situation.

Commission Kennedy

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“The only way you know you’re being listened to, is by the response.”

— George Lewis