ACM Lifting Lives®, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music®, recently hosted the 16th Annual ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp, held in collaboration with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. The week-long residential program is designed for musically talented individuals with Williams syndrome, offering enriching musical experiences while also contributing to ongoing research on the rare genetic condition.
Throughout the week, campers were immersed in the Country music community. From songwriting sessions and studio visits with some of Nashville’s most acclaimed musicians and up-and-coming talent, participants experienced what it’s like to live and work as an artist in Nashville.
“ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp is a tangible reminder of how unifying, inspiring, and meaningful music is,” shares Taylor Wolf, Director, ACM Lifting Lives®. “The campers’ song ‘Our Best Year Yet’ was written in homage to Opry100, and also speaks to the universal feelings of love, singing together, friendship, and how music makes us feel. Thank you to all the artists, venues, partners and supportive teams that made this week possible. We hope you, too, felt the energy and celebration of our best year yet.”
The camp is fully funded by ACM Lifting Lives®, in addition to providing scholarships to several campers. These efforts directly support the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through research, education and community outreach.
Twenty seven campers with Williams syndrome from across the U.S. and Canada came together to take part in a customized lineup of activities, starting with the writing of an original song with some of Nashville’s top songwriters, and culminating with a live performance of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage in front of a packed Opry House audience. Artists who joined the campers throughout the week include Roman Alexander, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Ross Copperman, Jackson Dean, Dalton Dover, JT Harding, Bryce Leatherwood, Parmalee, Emily Ann Roberts, and Lauren Watkins.
The week began as campers teamed up with Ross Copperman (marking his 12th year participating in the camp), Dalton Dover and JT Harding to co-write “Our Best Year Yet” inspired by Opry’s 100th Anniversary. Later in the week, they joined Lauren Watkins to bring the song to life, recording their original song at Ocean Way Studios before culminating in a standing-ovation performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside Jackson Dean.
In addition to their creative sessions, campers got an inside look at the Nashville music industry through exclusive experiences as Bryce Leatherwood welcomed them to the legendary Bluebird Cafe for a special performance and Q&A, while Parmalee met them at Gold Pacific Studio to share some studio 101 and record vocals on existing tracks. Emily Ann Roberts joined the campers at Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, where they stepped into the role of radio DJs, asking Roberts curated questions and sharing their voices over the hospital’s internal airwaves.
While the week was filled with musical discovery and learning, it was also packed with opportunities for boisterous fun. Tyler Braden surprised campers for lively karaoke at Riley Green’s Duck Blind, and Roman Alexander and Priscilla Block both joined the group for a high-energy outing to Topgolf, adding to a week already full of connection and lasting memories.
Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives®/Terry Wyatt)
About Williams syndrome
Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by strong verbal communication skills, highly social personalities, and a deep affinity for music. Many campers may also experience cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
About ACM Lifting Lives®
ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. We harness the strength of the Country Music community to provide aid in times of need, with a focus on health-related initiatives. With generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives has funded national music therapy programs serving various mental and physical health organizations. Recipients include patients at children’s hospitals and other healthcare facilities, recovering veterans, people with Williams syndrome, and individuals with mental illness. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.