The Show Choir Camp gives students an opportunity to participate in self-expression, dance and song during a week long summer camp.

Sharon Reed, Show Choir Camp coordinator, said the choir camp is an opportunity for students to artistically grow.

“It is a unique opportunity for kids to express themselves artistically in singing and dancing and theatrical as well. You don’t get the same experience by just by singing,” she said.

Reed also said the camp is geared toward students working with professionals to get hands-on experience.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for children to expand their music production if you will — they have the opportunity to work with professional directors and choreographers,” she said.

Reed said every time she comes to the camp, she has the intention to make a difference in each participant’s life.

During this time, participants are involved in physical warm-ups, vocal rehearsals, choreography rehearsals, workshops, private lessons, and roundtable discussions with staff.

Jamie Marble, an Eastern alumna, is participating in the camp as a second-year choreographer. She said she has come to this event since she was a sophomore in high school.

“I’ve been participating since I was a sophomore in high school and I came here and I actually had Sharon Reed as my director,” she said.

Marble said participants are not required to have any experience. All they need is enthusiasm, energy and a positive attitude.

Kylie Nadeau, 18, from Pekin, said she has been participating in the show choir camp for the past five years. She said she enjoys meeting many new people.

“What I enjoyed the most is getting to know other people from different cities that love to do the same thing I do,” she said.

Nadeau’s advice to new members is to come with an open mind, energy and motivation.

Nick Rivera, 17, from O’Fallon, said this is his first year participating in the camp.

Rivera said he has a strong preference to dancing, and as a result, he wants to pursue a career in tap dancing at either the New York University or the Boston Conservatory.

Students will showcase a final concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern.

The concert is free and open to the public. Those interested in more information about the concert times and dates, contact 217-581-2917 or [email protected].

Pablo Rodriguez can be reached at 581- 7892 or at [email protected].