🌞 LITTLE MUSIC MAKERS – SUMMER CAMP AT CANTALOUPE

Play • Create • Make Music   ⸻SUBSCRIBE

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🎯 Our mission

Little Music Makers is a unique project by Stichting Podium Calliope, with a clear mission:

to make high-quality music-making accessible to all children in The Hague.

We believe that every child can experience the joy of making music together — regardless of prior experience.

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🌱 How it started

The idea grew from the work of conductor and teacher Marco Bons, who guided an enthusiastic group of children from the Willemsparkschool and Music Center Calliope.

In a remarkably short time, this group developed into a fully functioning orchestra and choir — a powerful example of what children can achieve when given the right guidance and inspiration.

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🎶 A different approach to music learning

Learning an instrument is often seen as something that takes years and can feel complex or inaccessible.

We believe it doesn’t have to be that way.

During our three-day summer camp, children receive an intensive and joyful “music boost” — combining elements that would normally take months to develop.

Through a playful and structured approach, children build a solid foundation in:

* rhythm
* singing
* ensemble playing
* and their instrument of choice

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🎻 Instruments & activities

Led by violinist Alexandra (Residentie Orkest) and conductor Marco Bons, children can explore:

* Violin
* Piano
* Singing
* Percussion (including djembe)

Children work together, support each other, and experience what it means to create something as a group.

The camp culminates in a shared musical experience inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

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👧👦 For all levels

This camp is suitable for:

* beginners with no prior experience
* children who already play an instrument

For more advanced children, it is also possible to join on the final day only, participating in the preparation and final performance.

👉 Day participation (Day 3): €95

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🗓️ Program overview

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Each day follows a lively and varied structure:

Morning

* Music Together-style workshop
* Fruit break
* Instrument workshop

Midday

* Lunch
* Choir workshop

Afternoon

* Orchestra & creative ensemble work
* Outdoor play
* Musical storytelling / films

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✨ Special highlights

Day 2

* Make your own instrument (craft workshop)
* Introduction to conducting for children

Day 3

* Final rehearsals
* Closing performance

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🌿 A safe and inspiring environment

The camp takes place at our own location:

📍 Clubhouse Cantaloupe – The Hague

* Private, enclosed space (safe and secure)
* Direct access to park and playground
* Calm and welcoming atmosphere

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🧺 Food & care

* Healthy sandwiches, fruit and drinks provided
* Option to bring your own lunchbox
* Please inform us of any allergies in advance

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👩‍🏫 Guidance & team

Children are guided by:

Alexandra & Marco
Professional musicians and experienced educators

Supported by:

* two additional assistants
* all with teaching experience and VOG certification

We work with small groups (max. 20 children) to ensure personal attention.

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🕘 Practical information

📅 Dates
July 21, 22 & 23

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🕘 Time
09:30 – 15:00

or extended day until 17:00

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👧👦 Age
4 – 11 years

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💰 Costs

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3-day participation:

* €195 (pickup at 15:00)
* €230 (pickup at 17:00)

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Single-day participation
It is also possible to join for a single day:
€95 per day

Advanced participants (Day 3 only)

For more advanced children who wish to join

only on the final day

— including preparation and the concert,

 a reduced fee of €30 applies.

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💳 Payment terms

* Upon registration: 25% deposit
* Remaining amount due 2 weeks before the start

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💛 Why choose this camp

* High-level musical guidance in a playful setting
* A unique blend of music, creativity, and outdoor play
* Small groups and personal attention
* Real ensemble experience (choir & orchestra)
* A meaningful and joyful introduction to music

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✨ Join us

Give your child the opportunity to experience music, creativity, and collaboration in a way that is both inspiring and accessible.

👉 Reserve your spot now

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🔹Minimum number of participants applies.

In case this number is not reached, you will be informed in advance and receive a full refund.

 

A natural flow of the day

Each day unfolds in a relaxed and engaging rhythm, where music, creativity and play naturally alternate.

We begin together with a lively, Music Together-style session — singing, moving, and connecting as a group. From there, children explore instruments, rhythm and sound in smaller moments of discovery, always in a playful and supportive setting.

Throughout the day, music is combined with creative activities such as drawing, crafting, and building simple instruments. There is time to be outdoors, to move, to play, and simply enjoy being together.

Lunch is a shared and relaxed moment, followed by new musical experiences — singing together, playing in small ensembles, and gradually discovering how individual ideas can come together as a group.

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✨ Across the three days

Each day builds gently on the previous one:

Day 1
Getting to know each other, exploring instruments, and discovering the joy of making music together.

Day 2
Going deeper — creating, experimenting, and even making your own instrument.
Children are also introduced to the basics of conducting in a playful way.

Day 3
A natural continuation of the workshops, where everything comes together.
The children share what they have explored and created in a joyful concert moment, to which parents are warmly invited.

 

Free play, musical storytelling and quiet moments are naturally woven into the day.

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If your child is sensitive, easily overwhelmed, or a bit unsure, they are especially welcome here.
Our teacher Alexandra, a violinist and certified Music Together® educator, brings a very special and gentle approach to music education.

Children who are new to making music, feel uncertain, or need a bit more social confidence will find a safe and supportive environment, with genuine attention and care

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