In 2016, Danielle Merlis created Westport’s first cello camp.
Danielle Merlis
The award-winning musician — who was initially inspired at Long Lots Elementary School, earned first chair honors in the Staples High orchestra, and went on to perform with Chris Brubeck and the Eagles, at venues like Lincoln Center — wanted to give back to the community that gave her so much.
It was an instant success.
Three years ago, she added a summer a cappella camp. It includes vocal technique, beatboxing, ensemble skills and choreography.
Now there’s a winter and spring workshop too.
Starting February 2 and running through April 26 at the United Methodist Church, the camp — for students in grades 4 to 12 — will help them “shake off daily school stress and experience the joy of singing with friends,” Merlis says.
Each week will include a cappella ensemble coaching, beat-boxing masterclasses, vocal improvisation, solo technique and choreography. It ends with a final concert for friends and family.
Typical performances include A-ha’s “Take on Me,” Pentatonix’s “Take Me Home,” “Kendrick/Timberlake’s “True Colors” and One Republic’s “I Did.”
All vocal skill levels and ranges are welcome. Merlis believe that singing should be fun, so she promotes a “supportive, positive, non-competitive” atmosphere.
Sounds good to me!
(For more information on Camp A Cappella, click here.)
Danielle was our daughters cello teacher and she is wonderful! Highly recommend cello camp — and anything she is involved with!
My daughters have worked with this amazing program! I now have a mini family a cappella group blossoming at our dinner table each night! See you in February!
When is the class for adults?
We want to have fun singing too!
Great idea. Congratulations Danielle.
Bravo Danielle! Keep the music alive 🎶