The group hug on stage after the final rehearsal said it all – this week’s Garden Pathways Singing Camp went far deeper than lessons in vocalization and stage presence.

One by one, the students took the microphone to share what they learned, and thank their mentor Amy Adams, Bakersfield’s own American Idol contestant from season three.

“I learned that no matter where you are or what stage you’re performing on, to be yourself because that’s the most important thing,” said Kera Perry, 14.

“You got to be comfortable with who you are and you got to just let go with you’re singing. And when you put emotion in it, it’s about making that connection with your audience,” said Katie Clements, 13.

“You need to know you’re giving a gift to someone and that whatever you sing it has to come from your heart. And Amy has been such a good example of what you should do by coming back to your roots and helping others,” said Danielle Darling, 17, turning to Adams, who wiped tears from her eyes during the speeches.

The camp was the beginning of a new

community initiative to mentor youth through the arts. Garden Pathways is a nonprofit that provides family and youth mentoring and arts education. It teamed up with American Sound Recording Studio to host the camp, giving students the real-world experience of music performance and recording.

Eighteen youth ages 9 to 18 were chosen after an

audition earlier this month. Tuition was $150, and scholarships were available.

“Whatever we do at Garden Pathways, we make it possible for all people to afford it,” said Karen Goh, the organization’s executive director.

The students each chose songs from a list to practice under the

direction of Amy Adams. They received lessons in vocalization, choreography, harmony, recording techniques and insights into the music industry. The camp culminated with a showcase for family and friends Friday evening in Studio A – a large but intimate space complete with a lounge that bands rent for days at a time to record projects. Studio co-owner Josh Graham said he was happy to host the camp.

“That’s kind of the driving thing behind my vision – to reach musicians and artists and kids that want to play music in this community,” said the former member of the

band Smokin’ Armadillos. “When we started out, we didn’t know anything about recording, production, anything … Here we wanted to say, ‘Look, you don’t have to know somebody to get into music. We want to be a resource. Come on in and we’ll show you.’”

The students were treated to two more guest mentors Friday during a master class taught by musician-

producer Dennis Hamm, 33, and vocalist Judith Hill, 25. Hamm grew up in Bakersfield and played in the Smokin’ Armadillos for seven years before moving to Los Angeles. He is one of the producers on Adams’ next album.

One student asked Hamm – who has played piano since he was four years old – if he likes being a producer.

“I do. It’s cool to have control over seeing your vision realized,” he said.

How long has he been producing, someone asked.

“Officially? Three months. But anybody who has a computer and records their own music is a producer. People are just giving me their own money now,” he said, laughing with the audience.

Singer Judith Hill described the music business as being a series of ups and downs. She was going to be a back-up singer for Michael Jackson’s scheduled concerts in London until he passed away June 25. She led the singing of “Heal The World” at Jackson’s memorial service.

“He was such a sweet spirit and an inspiration to me. It was amazing growing and learning from this master and being blessed by him,” she said. “Now, I’m allowing myself to grieve but also moving forward and writing more songs.”

Hill’s advice to the students is to always be practicing, always be honing their craft, and always be ready.

“Right now, I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I need to practice and be disciplined. I might get a call saying ‘They need you in New York tomorrow.’ I have to always be ready,” she said.

Hill also acknowledged that even though she resisted pressure from her musician parents at first, she came to realize music was a way for her to express herself as a “socially awkward” teen.

“It comforted me and gave me a lot of hope because it is such a powerful way of communication,” she said.

With Hill at the microphone and Hamm at the keyboard, the duo ended their class with a performance of a song from Hill’s upcoming album. Her soulful voice is similar to Alicia Keys and Joss Stone.

Adams tried unsuccessfully to hold back tears as she thanked her fellow musicians for sharing their stories with the students. That’s when the kids left their seats to give Adams a big group hug on stage. There were tears all around, but it showed just how powerful an impact the singing camp had on everyone involved.

Adams dismissed the students for the last time before the final show with these words:

“When you walk onto the stage, tell yourself, ‘I get this. I get to do this.’ Celebrate that.”

Become a mentor

Garden Pathways is always looking for individuals and families to participate in their mentoring program. To get involved, call Tami Lopez, program manager for the Family to Family Mentoring Program, at 633-9133. For more information, visit www.gardenpathways.org.