What is After Dark?

Every year, our volunteers say, “I wish I had something like this as a kid!” So, we launched TEMPO: After Dark for our “grown up” community members to give their inner child some love by experiencing what it's like to be a camper at TEMPO.

TEMPO: After Dark is open to anyone who is over the age of 18 and not a cisgender man, regardless of any previous musical skills (or lack thereof)! Over the course of two weekends (the first mandatory, the second optional), campers participate in band formation activities, instrument lessons, and workshops. Each band practices on their own time and in their own spaces over the next month, and then everyone reconvenes for the final showcase.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please apply to be a camper and/or a volunteer.

What can I do at After Dark?

  • Teach or take instrument lessons! We offer guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocal lessons.

  • Collaborate with bandmates to write a song from scratch!

  • Find comfort and affirmation in a safe space for marginalized identities!

  • Lead and/or take workshops about social justice, creative writing, media literacy, screen printing, visual art, building safer spaces, and more!

  • Participate in team building activities and build friendships!

  • Show off what you’ve created at the final performance!

FAQ

  • Yes! Participating in After Dark is largely choose-your-own-adventure. Campers are able to volunteer as Instrument Instructors, Workshop Instructors, or an indirect role. The only role that campers can’t be is Counselor due to the time requirement. If you would like to be a camper and a volunteer, you will indicate so on the application form. An organizer will work with you to coordinate your schedule so you can fulfill your volunteer role and still participate as a camper.

  • Yes! Instrument Instructors may be campers and participate in bands, however, to be an Instrument Instructor, you need to be available for the entirety of lesson time to teach. If you would like to be in a band, we ask that you choose an instrument you are familiar with.

  • No! We welcome all experience levels—including no experience! On your application, you will fill out your first, second, and third choice instruments and your familiarity with each. If you have experience with the instrument you apply for, that’s great, too! We offer multiple levels of instrument instruction at camp to accommodate all skill and comfort levels. Additionally, we provide instruments for campers to use at camp, so you do not have to bring your own instrument unless you want to.

  • Just yourself! We will provide lunch on January 11th, 12th, and 25th, snacks every day, and lunch on March 2nd. You are welcome to bring your own instruments and any personal belongings you may need as long as it does not distract from camp activities.

  • Please see the Location & Dates page. Campers and volunteers will be given a detailed schedule prior to camp. On the application, times are given for volunteer roles. If you have further questions, feel free to email us at tempomusicandartscamp@gmail.com.

  • After Dark is free! We welcome any donations or help fundraising.

    The final performance is a fundraiser for Youth Camp, so please invite your friends!

  • We strive to make After Dark accessible, however, we are unable to provide transportation to/from camp or the final performance. On the application, there is a section where you may fill out if you need a ride or are able to provide one, and we connect campers and volunteers with each other to carpool.

  • You can apply here! This year, we will be accepting 35-40 campers. The first 40 campers will be accepted on a first come first serve basis, and if more than 40 campers apply before the deadline, there will be a waitlist.

Have a question not answered here?

Feel free to email us at tempomusicandartscamp@gmail.com.