Singalong Success Brings Music, Local Youth Together

By Matthew Avitabile

STAMFORD — The Fourth Annual Bobby Curious Camp Singalong was the largest and best yet, with a significant turnout and participation from local youth.

Stamford Village Trustee Jim Kopp said that the program has “grown immensely” over the last four years, including a significant number of visitors arriving early.

There were about 150 local youth participating, compared to 125 in the previous two years and sixty the first year.

Bobby Kennedy of Catskills Junction said that many of the visitors come from local camps.

“You remember your childhood in your town you grew up in,” Kopp said. He cited people coming back to their hometowns with fond memories, including Stamford in the 1970s.

“That’s important,” he said.

Kopp added that events like this create memories that last a lifetime.

Kennedy said that the Board of Musication has brought fresh ideas to the area.

“We need call and response, jump up and down,” he said. He added that there needed to be fun activities, including “camp songs.” He was also able to ask local schools, groups, and organizations to participate.

He stated that he was able to utilize his experience as a music educator and singer-songwriter to work with Kopp, who has been a significant figure in the local music scene. After several years of working on a potential singalong, he finally feels like he can keep up with the interest and energy of the youth. The effort keeps him from getting rusty, Kennedy said. Sometimes the songs have to be sung back to back.

Kennedy added that he has to observe and “get ‘em dancing” and “creating the community you want through music.”

Events like this help foster respect and politeness, he added.

“You’re at war,” Kennedy said, making sure that the demanding songs were done properly and that youth’s attention weren’t lost.

“Year after year, you get better,” Kennedy said.

The event and its growth has allowed him to “get good feedback from kids and the community.”
Kopp said that he has been excited weeks before the event and that it’s “always a great day.” He also said that he enjoys helping to organize the event and that it was a great effort to keep local youth in the area.

Kennedy added that the event helps to “create memories in Stamford in the Catskills.” He also cited the West Kortright Center as a sponsor and help of local educators who “inspire” students.