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Youth heads to opening of Idol Camp
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Noelle Pollack
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By Natasha Clark
Assistant Managing Editor
LONGMEADOW - The nation's No. 1 television show, "American Idol," must be going for global dominance. The monarch of broadcast television ratings has successfully ventured out into the multimedia world and continues to find new areas of expansion the latest being "Idol Camp."
This summer up to 175 campers will descend upon Northfield to participate in 10 days of classes in singing, dancing, acting, song writing, audition and performance techniques, personal style, video production, set design and more.
Among these aspiring performers will be Longmeadow resident Noelle Pollack, a Longmeadow High School freshman.
A member of the high school's chorus, Noelle has been singing and dancing the majority of her life. She participated in "Longmeadow Idol" for the past two years and won first place out of 150 individuals in a talent show produced by the Eastfield Mall. She has also gone to performing arts school and done some theater work.
"I just like doing all of it," Noelle explained. "It's fun to be up on the stage."
She said that she is a nervous wreck before she goes on stage but that once she's done "you want to do again."
She found out about Idol Camp by chance. A choral show had been postponed and Noelle was checking the Internet to see when it had been rescheduled, she clicked on a link about music news and there it was Idol Camp.
She spent several days filling out the application form for the camp.
Her mother, Wendy, seemed to beam with pride when she spoke of the time and creativity Noelle put into packing her application.
A fan of the show, Noelle has favorites that she hopes she'll get to meet at camp, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Kimberly Locke.
Former Idol contestants are expected to appear and teach, along with other celebrity artists. Workshops will also be taught by industry professionals.
The Idol Camp Experience
The camp is designed to give youth ages 12-15, 10 days of training, mixed with traditional summer camp activities. At the end of the session, attendees will participate in a concert.
The program runs the gamut of the entertainment industry including vocal instruction, video production, chorus, writing and acting workshops, even fashion and beauty tips from professional stylists.
Students will reside in dorms while at the 300-acre location.
According to a camp spokesperson who declined to be identified, the Massachusetts site was chosen because of its privacy in addition to the fact that the state is "steeped in performing arts tradition."
Noelle is looking forward to being one of the first campers this year.
"I want to meet new people, make new friends, build up my confidence and stage presence," she said.
Noelle said even her peers at school are excited for her and can't wait for her to return and tell them all about it.
Wendy is obviously proud of her. When speaking of her daughter's accomplishments, she often paused, searching for the right word.
"I'm in awe of her," she smiled. "I'm her greatest fan."
The camp experience comes with a $2,900 tuition, but some scholarships are available based on financial need. Because of the costs associated with the program, Noelle is in the process of raising funds in order to make her trip a reality. Anyone who is interested in supporting Noelle by making a donation can send a check or money order (made out to Idol Camp, Inc.) to: Noelle Pollack, P.O. Box 60422, Longmeadow, MA 01106.
About Idol Camp
Campers are selected based on their application and desire for the arts. No previous experience necessary.
Attendance at a summer session also does not denote placement on the television series.
Session dates are July 7-16, July 21-30, August 4-13 and August 18-27.
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