Girls Rock Denver Takes the Stage this Summer!

Girls Rock Denver has been empowering girls and gender expansive youth in our community through music education, creation, and performance since 2007. At the start of their week-long summer camp, rockers ages 8-17 are given an instrument and by the end, they have formed a band (and a bond) with their fellow campers as well as walk away with their first song under their belt! But Girls Rock Denver makes sure this era of next-generation musicians know they already possess this ability and power “in their feet, fingertips, vocal cords, hearts and minds.”

Their website shares this list of affirmations:

We believe…

• Girls* should be seen and heard.
• Potential is not dictated by gender.
• In providing girls* with a nonjudgmental space where they can be themselves.
• In a girl’s right to confidence, self-reliance, and courage.
• Girls* should be encouraged to express themselves with creativity and enthusiasm. 
• In the power of women and girls* learning from each other.
• that “rock” is a verb rather than a genre and we support all types of musical interests.

*Girl is a complicated term and can mean many things. “Girl” doesn’t automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum and that is welcome within our organization. We acknowledge that we do not live in a post-gender world, and maintain the value in creating safe spaces of expression and growth for girls, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals. 

Along with music education, Girls Rock Denver believes in the importance of dismantling systems of oppression. Through workshops, Girls Rock Denver holds conversations about and action against racism, ableism, sexism, ageism, classism, homophobia, and colonialism. The organization is 100% volunteer-operated project, several community members are brought onboard each summer to help guide these girls through their journey of self discovery. Their camp is broken down into three focuses:

Instrument Instruction
Rockers learn to play an instrument, mentored by local musicians and instructors who have donated their time. Instrument tracks include: guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals, and for 11+ — electronic music (Ableton Software — they call this track “beats”). Rockers do not need to have any previous experience in their selected instrument track. They provide instruments but rockers are allowed to bring their own equipment if they wish.

Band Practice and Songwriting
At the beginning of the week, Monday, rockers form bands with peers in their age groups. Throughout the week they write a song together (with the coaching from a local musician). Then, on the concluding Saturday of camp, they perform with their band at our all-camp public showcase, which open to family, friends, and the community. 

Workshops
In addition to the music-related elements of camp, rockers attend workshops throughout the day relating to musical performance, feminism, social justice, self-care, DIY, music business, arts/crafts, etc. They aim to empower rockers through education, hands-on experimentation and community problem-solving. 

Earlier this week, Co-Director Shannon Webber stopped by the studio to share more about the Girls Rock Denver chapter on our Live & Local feature of The Morning Set. Just talking about this organization, this Girls Rock movement, she exuded so much joy and passion. She has been involved since the beginning and has seen so many eras of rockers transform through this camp – she even shared that volunteer applications for Girls Rock Denver Alumni have come through for the 2024 season and how cool it is to see that total full-circle moment. Check out our conversation below!

This year, Girls Rock Denver will continue their partnership with Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. Camp is in session at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver July 29 – August 3. Space is limited, and the application will open soon for campers. Applications are currently being accepted for volunteers 18+. More information at girlsrockdenver.org

Tune in to The Morning Set, on weekdays from 7 – 10 a.m. on KUVO JAZZ 89.3FM, on the stream, or the KUVO App.

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Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of Girls Rock Denver