Music Compound’s Rock Your Summer Reading program
Music Compound is committed to educating all year long, including when school is out for the summer. In addition to hosting an in-person summer camp, Music Compound launches the Rock Your Summer Reading initiative each year on June 1. Music Compound is again partnering with area businesses to provide special treats, one-of-a-kind experiences, and cool items as prizes; area youth have an opportunity to receive prizes for every five books they read.
The program runs through August 5. As the number of books a child reads increases, the value of prizes he or she can earn grows. All participants who read 50 books or more are eligible to be entered into the grand prize drawing for a party for up to 20 people at Music Compound’s “Studio 32.” Karaoke, pizza, bounce house donated by Let’s Jump Rentals, and sweet treats donated by Crumbl Cookie are included (a $600 value).
Associated Rock Your Summer Reading events are being planned, including three workshops with local young author Sienna Alfano, 10. Alfano will present sessions on poetry (July 12, 1:30 p.m.), fiction writing (July 13, 1:30 p.m.) and non-fiction writing (July 14, 1:30 p.m.); these all take place at Music Compound (1751 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota). Each workshop is two hours, including a break (with snack), and is open to just six participants ages 8-13 each.
“This initiative has grown beyond all expectations since we launched it in 2020. Last year, nearly 80 children participated, logging more than 1,700 total books, and 27 children qualified for the grand prize drawing by reading at least 50 books,” says Townsend. “We are very grateful to our business partners, who have been very generous in providing prizes; our hope is that the participating families will be introduced to new products or experiences that they will choose to continue to enjoy in the future.”
This program is open to all area children. Participants can download a reader passport by visiting RockYourSummerReading.com. Each participant is requested to complete the form after each book to inform prize partners; after reading their 50th book, participants are encouraged to drop off their completed passport at Music Compound to be entered into the drawing for the grand prize. The winner will be announced on August 12.
While the children enjoy the reading and the prizes, parents also enjoy knowing that their kids are benefiting from the activity as well.
“I love how the Rock Your Summer Reading program encouraged my girls to read not only fictional books but also educational books. I also enjoyed how it was a time for our family to make great memories together,” said Melody Jackson, whose daughters have participated since 2020. “We look forward to it every summer!”
For additional information, contact Music Compound: [email protected] or 941-379-9100. There is also a Rock Your Summer Reading Facebook group, with live reading events and plentiful inspiration to keep those pages turning.
About Music Compound
The Music Compound provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music. The goal is to transform dreams into reality by providing a contemporary and influential environment for musicians of all ages. For more information, visit www.musiccompound.com.
