Arts and Entertainment

Video: Janet Carr-Campbell and 33 years of The Music Machine

For 33 years, Janet Carr-Campbell has been teaching Alaska kids singing and dancing through her nonprofit summer program, The Music Machine.

Backstage at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts last weekend, Janet was busy coordinating lighting, set design, and props, as well as making sure the kids all arrived for their first rehearsal in the theater.

"What really makes this special for me is that kids who were in Music Machine now have grown up and have kids of their own, and some of those kids are in Music Machine now," said Janet.

Excited kids eagerly found their spots on stage amidst colorful blocks and an Americana-themed backdrop. Janet patiently guided them through one of their songs, encouraging them to sing out and find their spots on stage.

"We become like a family for this six-week workshop. We have older kids watching over little kids. There are great friendships that develop," she said.

"As they grow up, some of these kids go on to perform with the Anchorage Concert Chorus and the Anchorage Opera. They're not only on stage but they're also the audience members."

Anchorage audiences will have a chance to see the kids of The Music Machine perform on stage at the Discovery Theater through Saturday, August 2, 2014. For tickets visit Center Tix.

Watch this video on Vimeo or YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great videos. Contact Loren Holmes at loren(at)alaskadispatch.com.

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