EDITOR,

The Teen Celtic Music Camp is more than a place to hang out for a week. Students come from all over the county. Local musicians have dedicated their efforts and talents toward teaching these young people. I know all of the teachers well and applaud their hard work.

Teens have many choices today. Music is a great choice and time well spent.

I’ve been a musician all my life and know what I’m talking about. By sending a teen to music camp, you are not giving them a week of play but real instruction in Celtic and other ethnic music. Giving a child a chance to learn music is a small gift, but one that will last a lifetime.

Standing on a corner of downtown Santa Cruz with a cell phone does not teach anything, except, perhaps, how to use a cell phone.

I’ve also been a dance instructor for many years. Every year I teach Scottish country dancing at the teen camp. It’s fun, and most of all connects dance with music. It’s sad to see dancing fall in a troubled economy. This year, I plan to waive my fee so another teen can have the experience of camp.

I do it for the love of dance, music and our future citizens. Young people involved in music and dance don’t need negative outlets to be entertained. Music is a drug you cannot overdose on. I’ve watched them get excited about a new tune, eager to share it with others.

Yes, they still like the cell phones and all the other things of our time. They are still normal teens with a healthy, social hobby that grows with time. But give them a new chance and reap the future rewards.

Bob McMurtry, Felton

Editor’s note: For donation information: http://communitymusicschool.org/teen_camp/