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New Scout group focuses on music, video production

Northwest suburban teens, both boys and girls, who are interested in music and rock bands, in particular, have a unique new opportunity, thanks to Steve Reddington of Des Plaines, in conjunction with the Northwest Suburban Council of the Boy Scouts, based in Mount Prospect.

Reddington, an assistant Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 160, also in Des Plaines, said that he had noticed a decline in the ranks of the Boy Scouts recently.

Since the Boy Scouts of America allow "Venture crews" for boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 21 which are devoted to a particular subject, Reddington decided to start a group specializing in music, video, sound and lighting production. 

"I wanted to start a Venturing crew that was more appropriate to today's teens," Reddington explained. "I picked music because every teen listens to music, and many of them have garage bands."

In addition, Reddington said he realized that the wildly popular "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" video games have attracted even more teens to rock music. So he incorporated those games into the plans for the new Venture crew.

"Boys who already play a musical instrument can join and play music. Those who don't can hang out and play the new game Rock Band, which is a successor to the highly successful Guitar Hero. Teens could get together and learn how to play music, albeit simple video music. Then if they are interested, I am trying to hook them up with a music school to give discounted music lessons," Reddington said.

The new Venture crew recently held its first Rock Band 2 contest at the Best Buy in Arlington Heights and it was very popular, according to Reddington. They gave away a free Rock Band 2 bundle to the first place band, a game guitar to the second place band, and the game's drum pads to the third place band.

"I am also trying to set up another Rock Band contest event at Woodfield mall in mid-February," he said.

And if anyone wants to be in real bands, Reddington plans to organize bands, set up some Battles of the Bands, and also teach sound, video and lighting techniques. He is contacting local companies, community colleges and other facilities to see who might be able to help.

According to Reddington, Music Venturing Crew 160 is for any teen in the area who likes music and might be interested in organizing a band.

"We will be trying to show these kids that being a musician is not all about the bad influences like drugs, smoking, and drinking, but the music and the advantages of learning these skills that will allow them to succeed in life," Reddington explained on the group's Web site, crew160.nwsc.org.

All members of the Venture Crew 160 will be required to sign a contract that firmly states they will not be smoking, drinking, or using drugs at any time while they are members or they will be removed from the Crew.

For more information about this unique new group, contact Reddington at 1stevered@comcast.net.

Winter Break Day Camp: River Trails Park District's Clayground studio, 550 Business Center Drive, will hold one-hour workshops from 1 to 2 p.m. during six days of the winter break from school. You can enroll your child for the whole break or just for a day or two. All those age 6 and up are eligible.

Each day will have a different craft-related theme, ranging from drawing on Dec. 22 to painting a sculpture on Dec. 23 and from making a bowl on the pottery wheel on Dec. 29 to hand-building with clay slabs on Jan. 2.

To register, call (847) 342-6653.

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