Ah, the first full day of pyc! As campers woke up, they were greeted by a downpour of rain and bolts of lightning, which miraculously subsided; it is a gorgeous day for the start of activities. I took a trip over to Barbara Flurry Memorial Hall to meet up with 4B, attending its first activity of pyc 2014: Entertainment Practice.

4B, along with its sister dorm 4G, were welcomed by music director Ryan Malone, song leading instructor Mark Jenkins and music assistant Jordanya Rouzer. Today’s class was to prepare the campers to sing the various parts for the Morning Star musical’s finale piece of the same name. All campers will perform this choral arrangement for special music on the last Sabbath of pyc.

As I sat down at the back of the room, Mr. Malone went to each of the campers, asking their names. He stopped at one of the campers of 4B, who spoke up: “I’m Zechariah Robson, from Australia. I’m Kaleb’s brother.” To which Mr. Malone responded, “I remember hearing about you when you were in here [motions a pregnant belly], and now you are here!” he marveled, causing a chuckle in the class.

Names confirmed, Mr. Malone began by teaching the campers the basics of proper singing technique—posture, correct breathing, etc. Several humorous explanations later, the choir was ready to sing, and Mr. Malone began separating the campers into sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, working individually with each section.

Partway through the rehearsal, it became horribly evident that the Kawai upright piano we were using was unbearably out of tune, and Mr. Jenkins motioned me to find a tuning hammer for it; I promptly left the class to retrieve one from Steve Hercus, art department supervisor and, happily, a skilled piano technician. Upon returning, I found the class nearly over, the campers having improved markedly in the rehearsal, with the different parts now combined together in a way that started to sound like music!

At the conclusion of many pyc classes, tickets are typically handed out to campers the staff feels exhibited the most effort. These tickets can be redeemed for snacks or other miscellaneous items at the camp store. The ticket for 4B was handed to William Wallace, 16, of New Jersey. Wallace mentioned of the class: “I think the music staff did a good job of improving our voices and testing our ranges.”

4B counselor Kyle Tremblay, happy with the success of his dorm’s first pyc class, commented: “We have an exciting dorm of both experienced and new campers—this is the first camp for four boys. They have gelled really well in the first 24 hours. Mr. Irwin and I are ecstatic to work with this wonderful group of young men.” 4B assistant counselor Nick Irwin, serving in his first pyc as a student of Herbert W. Armstrong College, said: “Having been to pyc in previous years, becoming a staff member was something I have been anxiously waiting for. I feel working camp is a great opportunity for any ac student to apply much of what we learn at the college. So far, the young men in our dorm are showing a lot of enthusiasm to really take advantage of every opportunity offered at pyc.”

Entertainment Practice concluded with 4B forming a huddle and cheering for the staff and their sister dorm. “You have beautiful voices, sister dorm!” they called out, as 4G counselor Sarah Culpepper led her dorm to their next activity.

Next stop for 4B? Softball!