Camp KO A Cappella: Voices, Vision, and Video Magic

This summer, the halls of Kingswood Oxford resonated with energy, teamwork, and powerful harmonies during our two weeks of Camp KO A Cappella. What began as a chance for campers to dive into the art of contemporary a cappella quickly grew into an unforgettable creative journey that blended music, technology, and performance.

In the first week, campers not only learned intricate arrangements of a popular song but also discovered what it takes to record and produce a professional-level music video. They explored everything from beatboxing and solo singing to choreography, directing, and storytelling. With guidance from our talented directors, David Baker ’04 and Andrew Siribansop, campers got a firsthand look at the process behind both studio recording and music video production. The result? A polished, inspiring video that highlights their hard work and passion. You can watch it here: Camp KO A Cappella Music Video.

What makes this program especially meaningful is the community that surrounds it. This year, we were thrilled to have KO alums Jacob Mapp and Audrey Karasik, KO senior Riley Mapp, and longtime Camp KO a cappella alum Becca Solomon volunteering their time and talents to support our campers. They were joined by our dedicated CITs, Julia Steremberg and KO Junior, Marco Ramirez, who played an important role in helping the camp run smoothly. Their mentorship and enthusiasm added an extra layer of inspiration for our young singers.

The second week brought the magic of the stage to life. Campers focused on the craft of live performance, learning how to connect with audiences and deliver songs that captivate. From sharpening their sight-reading and harmony skills to building confidence as soloists and ensemble members, our singers took their voices beyond the rehearsal room and into the spotlight. Performances at Blue Back Square in West Hartford and on KO’s campus were shining moments that showcased the growth and joy of our campers.

As we celebrate the 13th season of the Camp KO Downbeats, it’s clear that this program is about much more than singing. It’s about building confidence, developing leadership, and creating friendships through the universal language of music. We’re proud of our campers and grateful to our directors, staff, alums, and volunteers who made this experience so memorable. 

Here’s to another year of music, memories, and magic with the Camp KO Downbeats!