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News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Public invited to annual Camp S.O.U.L. concert at IU Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- This is the first year of Camp S.O.U.L. (Students Obtaining Unique musical Levels) at Indiana University under the leadership of Professor Nathanael Fareed Mahluli, director of the IU Soul Revue.

Underrepresented high school students from the state of Indiana will participate in a week-long camp. The culminating event will be a free concert at 11 a.m. Friday (June 19) in the Grand Hall of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, 275 N. Jordan Ave.

Camp S.O.U.L. was founded seven years ago by former IU Soul Revue Director Tyron Cooper. His vision for the camp was to focus on the historical, theoretical and performance components of African American music and culture.

The pre-college program is integral in introducing students to the music of African Americans in a highly structured and academic environment, but is not only about the music. It is also a vehicle which allows participants to experience university life. Students are strongly urged to explore college as a viable option for their lives. Music is merely used to motivate and encourage college attendance. The camp has been a starting point for several students becoming enrolled as IU students.

The theme for the camp is "The Best is Yet to Come."

"Camp S.O.U.L. students, by participating in Camp S.O.U.L., declare themselves the embodiment of the affirmation 'The Best is Yet to Come,'" Mahluli said. "Through the discipline of musical preparation and the courage to perform for others, Camp S.O.U.L. students pay heritage points forward as active, excellent participants of song, soul and our culture's ongoing transformation."

The camp is offered through the Office of Community and School Partnerships. Kim Morris-Newson serves as the office's director. The African American Arts Institute, under the direction of Dr. Charles E. Sykes, has provided some staff and administrative support.

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