MIAMI, FL—The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida Inc.will present its inaugural South Florida Marching Band Precision Campfrom July 21-28, 2014 at the Historic Lyric Theater in Miami. This camp is designed to develop middle and high school student’s level of musicianship, marching band skills, dedication, creativity, pride, life-long friendships, teamwork, and overall enjoyment.

"Growing up in the inner city, I learned that music is discipline, music is universal, and music is love," said Timothy A. Barber, Black Archives Executive Director. "Through our program at the Lyric Theater Complex, I want to make sure that students have access to the same, if not better, opportunities that I received growing up."

Approximately 200 students from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Texas will train under the leadership of some of the best and most respected names in music. The head camp clinician will be Dr. Shelby R. Chipman, a graduate of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, former band director of Miami Central Senior High School and currently professor of Music at Florida A&M University. Additional camp instructors and participants include Lindsey Sarjeant, Music Theory and Arranger; Ralph Jean Paul, Director of Brass Studies; Guest Announcer, Joe Bullard; and a host of other band directors from Florida and beyond.

"Campers will be fortunate to work with staff members who comprise of 250 years of teaching experience. One of our primary objectives is for each camper to have a great week of educational, musical and recreational experiences, said Dr. Shelby Chipman, Camp Director. "It is indeed an honor to return back home where my career started in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools."

"At this year’s camp, we have assembled a who’s who in music leadership in hopes to expose our South Florida youth to mentors who will guide them to better achievement and careers in music," Barber said."My plan each year is to invite a variety of college and university music professors from across the country in hopes that students will be able to become known to these directors and eventually secure scholarships to attend these universities."

Band Camp registration fee is $60 per student, including daily lunch and band camp t-shirt. During this one-week period, band camp students will participate in daily rehearsals at the Historic Lyric Theater facilities and Gibson Park in Overtown. At the culmination of the program, band campers will showcase their talents at two free public events, a Symphonic & Ensemble Concert and a Marching Band Performance. The Symphonic & Ensemble Concert is at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Historic Lyric Theater. The Marching Band Performance will be at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2014 at Gibson Park in conjunction with the Black Archives’ Happy Birthday Miami Parade celebrating the anniversary of the City of Miami’s 1896 incorporation.

The South Florida Marching Band Precision Camp is supported and endorsed by the Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Mayor TomásRegalado, and the City of Miami District 5 Commissioner Keon Hardemon.

For information about the South Florida Marching Band Precision Camp, or more information about Black Archives programming at the Historic Lyric Theater, visit www.theblackarchives.com or call 305-636-2390.