In the summer of 2018 my son, Ethan Penney, was 16. He was working a full-time summer job, playing a lot of soccer, and getting ready for his junior year of high school. He was also learning to play the drums.
Ethan had been teaching himself a little over a year when we heard about Carpe’s Rock Band Camp. For a full week students eighth grade to twelfth, beginner to advanced, work all day with instructors and a band of their peers to perform several songs in a battle of the bands at the end of the week. The winning band goes on to perform on a stage at Smyrna’s annual Depot Days festival.
I wasn’t surprised when Ethan told me how great Ron and the other instructors were at making everyone feel comfortable enough to open up to making music with their peers.
I wasn’t surprised because I’ve been watching Ron Alley do this kind of thing my whole life. I was born into a musical family. My dad is the oldest of six—three boys, three girls. Ron is my uncle. They all sing and play instruments. All of them have been worship leaders, soloists, etc. When I was a little girl, I saw them as the Brady Bunch—split level house and all. I loved to hear them sing, but I loved everyone singing together even more. I remember Ron especially being able to get just about anyone to sing along—whether it be at a music camp, church, or whatever. I remember being led in songs that made me laugh, like “Just a Bowl of Butter Beans.” He could get us to sing a lot of things.
When Ron told me Ethan could attend Rock Band Camp on a scholarship in the summer of 2018, I knew it would be a valuable experience.
Three years later Ethan still says Rock Band Camp was the highlight, not just of the summer, but of his year. Two years in a row.
“The best part about Rock Band Camp,” Ethan says, “is that no matter what level musician you are, you are provided with an opportunity to play a show in front of crowd of people.
“If you’re like me and you’ve played mostly alone at your house, you probably don’t know what that’s like yet. Rock Band Camp was the first place I’d ever gotten to experience that feeling, which was indescribable. Rock Band Camp was also where I met some of the best friends I’ve ever had.
“Both years, I learned more in one week than I had the whole year playing by myself without the guidance of professional musicians who had an abundance of knowledge of the music industry and music itself. Without Rock Band Camp, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
While I knew it would be beneficial, I had no idea how vital the experience would be. It laid a foundation of support that we could not have foreseen him needing.
When the pressures of academics, sports and life became a crushing crescendo his junior year following that first year of band camp, I watched music and Carpe friends reach out to Ethan in ways others couldn’t. He now feels confident that drumming and music will remain an integral part of his life.
To Ron, the instructors, donors, and all who share the vision, we are forever grateful.
—Amber Alley Penney