CODA Mountain Academy of Music is a program created by Charles and Esther Morey to promote artistic excellence in students through a creative, educational approach.

As August approaches, CODA Mountain is gearing up for its fourth year and is offering a faith-based curriculum not only to expand students’ musical knowledge and ability but also to encourage personal integrity and character.

“CODA believes that good character greatly enhances the musician and the music,” director Esther Morey explained. “Building character through devotional moments establishes a positive context for learning, performing and recreation.”

This year, CODA is expanding its programs to include CODA Kidz. This is a day camp option for young beginning string players ages 6 to 12. These classes will run 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 10-13, followed by two concerts: at 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at Appalachian Bible College and at 3 p.m. Aug. 15 at Fayetteville Christ Fellowship in Fayetteville.

Students will learn simple fiddle and classical pieces. The weekly cost is $75 per student.

Described as the “meat and potatoes of the program,” CODA is also offering its academy track for string students 12 to 23. This is a six-day camp where students will experience a week of master classes, concerts, eurythmics, private lessons and ensemble experience.

Both camps will be at the Appalachian Bible College camp in Mount Hope. During free time, students will have access to some of the college’s Alpine Adventure recreation offerings such as a climbing wall, swimming pools and a certified ropes course.

Esther Morey explained the inspiration behind CODA Mountain. Her son Charles started playing the violin at age 2 and as the years passed, she realized that there was nothing local available to him. Charles started attending music camps in surrounding states and had the desire at age 11 to develop a camp himself that combined all the experience and education he found at other camps.

“When you go to a camp like that, the ceiling is raised and you suddenly understand what you can be and what you can accomplish at your age,” she noted. “Our son was exposed to what could be and it gave him a purpose.

“Most youth have no idea of what they can accomplish,” she continued. “At CODA, students will be exposed to a level of excellence that will raise the ceiling of what they believe as possible.”

Better yet, she said, “students will be given the tools to pursue excellence in their own lives, not only in music, but in the areas of personal integrity and character.”

Cost for the academy program is $650 for the week. This includes lodging, food, recreation and all classes. Currently, several young musicians from low-income families are hoping to attend. Although they have organized fundraising events, they are running out of time and need financial help. If you are interested in helping to scholarship a worthy student, contact Esther Morey at 304-663-6688 or at codamountain@gmail.com. All contributions are tax-deductible.

“I believe we need to become active in our communities and create opportunities for high-quality music education for children,” she said. “After all, attending a music camp like CODA unlocks hidden talent and leads students to the life-changing discovery of what they can achieve.”

— E-mail:

kvanpelt@register-herald.com