June 20, 2013

ACM, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center hold annual ‘Lifting Lives’ music camp

ACM Lifting Lives® and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will partner again for the 4th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, June 23-29.

The weeklong, residential camp is open to individuals with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition (estimated to occur in one/7,500 births) that causes medical and developmental problems. It is associated with an unusual pattern of strengths and weaknesses in linguistic and cognitive profiles, as well as intellectual disability.

The program has a dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome while providing music enrichment through performance and education. ACM Lifting Lives funds the costs of the camp in addition to providing scholarships to several campers, enabling the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to advance its mission of improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through research, training and service.

Campers will participate in a songwriting workshop and recording session, along with other music-oriented activities, culminating in a live performance with Jerrod Niemann on the Grand Ole Opry.

Throughout the week, campers gain invaluable experience through visits from top-tier country music veterans. Prior camps have featured artist visits from Lauren Alaina, Gary Allan, Big & Rich, Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Julianne Hough, Jana Kramer, Little Big Town, Eddie Montgomery, David Lee Murphy, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Paul Worley, Wynonna and more. This year’s camp artist and VIP visits include Lauren Alaina, Jerrod Niemann, Jake Owen and Love and Theft, along with hit songwriter Dallas Davidson.

Learn more about ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp or apply for 2014 admission

ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Each year, ACM Lifting Lives provides funding to music-related therapy and education programs, including the organization’s flagship ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, a partnership since 2010 with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.