Camp Kiya, Tehachapi’s family traditional music camp, has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Arts Council of Kern. The “Arts in the Community” grant was given for the scholarship program, which helps make the camp affordable to students and adults who would not be able to attend without some financial aid. Camp Kiya will take place July 23-27 this summer.

The Arts Council of Kern – in partnership with the California Arts Council, the County of Kern and local agencies – provides, supports and promotes arts access, advocacy and education for all residents and visitors to Kern County. The Community grants are awarded each year to established nonprofit organizations, arts organizations, or other organizations involved in arts-related activities in Kern County. Camp Kiya last received a grant for scholarships in 2015.

This will be the ninth year for Camp Kiya, which is held in the group camp in Tehachapi Mountain Park. The mission of the camp is “to help keep musical participation and appreciation alive in Kern County by providing an opportunity for families and friends, children and adults, to explore music together in an affordable, non-competitive, non-judgmental and beautiful setting close to home.”

Camp Kiya is a partnership between members of TPOPS (The Tehachapi Pops Orchestra), Mountain Music, Fiddlers Crossing, and other local musicians. Classes are taught by local musicians as well as outstanding professionals from around California. Instruments include fiddle, cello, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, bass, harp, keyboard backup, accordion, mountain and hammered dulcimer and more. This year there will be a song writing workshop for total beginners as well as those who have written songs. Dancing, singing, performance tips, improvisation, playing by ear and “jamming” round out the offerings.

Class levels range from total beginners to advanced. “From Scratch” workshops are available for those who want to try something new. A special “Acorn” program is available for children.

Registration is open online at http://www.campkiya.com. Registration forms may also be downloaded from the website and sent in with a check, or call to use a credit card. An “early bird” discount is available for those who register before April 15. For more information, call (661) 823-9994, or pick up a brochure at 206 East F Street or the Mountain Music display in the Tehachapi Treasure Trove or the Tehachapi Visitors Center.