It was not coincidental that friends Diana Goolsbey and Samira Amra’s paths crossed with Joy Byrd to create Camp MusArt, a track-out haven in Apex for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Goolsbey and Amra were looking to start a business — something that would fill the gap during school track-out time in southwest Wake County while offering more than “babysitting services.”

When Goolsbey chanced upon a flier about a piano instructor for her son, the search for the missing part of the business puzzle ended. Goolsbey found Byrd, an accomplished pianist and classical guitarist. “I was blown away by her style and realized in an ‘aha’ moment that combining our backgrounds was meant to be,” said Goolsbey with amazement still showing in her smile.

The trio wasted no time in organizing Camp MusArt. They based the camp on their philosphy that “fun” is an essential part of structure. “The atmosphere at Camp MusArt imitates a home-away-from-home setting that moms sense,” Byrd said. “We also wanted to ensure that children have an opportunity to experience playing musical instruments, develop a love of languages and meet a diversity of new friends.”

With the vision of giving every child an opportunity to experience the arts and culture, making a difference in their lives and letting them know they are cherished, the partners found space at Infinity Ballet studio located at 3462 Apex Peakway.

“We were concerned with our decision to have no videos, TV or computer games. Instead, we opted for old-fashioned games that embody physicality and creativity,” Amra said. They replaced electronics with a hopscotch rug, hula hoops and puzzles.

Their fears were unwarranted. They have found that the children are responding with great enthusiasm and don’t miss computers. Lunch break isn’t just for eating. Minds are engaged with stimulating brain-quest games and conversations about the Earth, the benefits of composting and sharing about themselves as they munch on a nutrition-rich meal.

Grand opening
“Our doors opened on March 9, and much to our delight, our somewhat frightening endeavor for these economic times has yielded many happy students and thrilled parents,” Goolsbey said.

Andrea Goff enrolled Sofie, 5 and Henry, 8, who in a relatively short period of time have planted wheat grass in the organic garden, made an around-the-world language book and learned to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on violin and piano. “My children say this is the best camp they’ve ever gone to. They want to come every day. It’s obvious that it’s due to the great quality of teachers who are loving and thoughtful,” Goff said.

The teachers
Amra is a native Brazilian and brings expression through language to the children. Her mother tongue is Portuguese. She is also fluent in English and Spanish, with some knowledge of Korean and Arabic. She has tutored children of all ages, taught English as a Second Language in Brazil and has been a team leader at summer camps.

Goolsbey’s early training at the Auburn School of Performing Arts brought her professional standing with Ice Capades after years as a competitive figure skater. She was invited to choreograph an ice show in Belgium that led to a 20-year career as an international choreographer for dancers and world Olympic figure skaters.

Byrd, a mentor and home-schooler for the past 30 years, has dedicated much of her time volunteering at church youth camps. Educated in the Suzuki method that favors cherishing children and allowing them to learn at their own pace without external pressure, Byrd is an accomplished musician who brings her gift of giving and patience to the camp’s students.

Aiding Byrd are her two daughters, Sarah and Virginia, who teach music classes based on the curriculum of the Suzuki Method.

Jandy Salguero, a volunteer face painter, delights the children by transforming their faces into animals and flowers and teaches them the art of balloon twisting.

Suzuki Method
Shinichi Suzuki was born in Japan. His method is based on the principle that all children possess ability and that this ability can be developed and enhanced through a nurturing environment. His approach to teaching has now spread to many parts of the world. Because he was a violinist, he first applied his ideas to the teaching of violin, but they have since been used with many other instruments, in nursery school teaching and other more general areas. His method incorporates starting children usually at 3 or 4 years old, listening to music, playing an instrument before being able to read, parent involvement and maintaining a high standard of trained teachers.

Visit campmusart.com for information.