Inside Look: Thomas Paul

Age: 31
Years at Rock Camp: 1
Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID

Thomas Paul at 31 can usually be described by his students as being “pretty much a genius.” He was born in Idaho Falls and went to Idaho State before he dropped out. He realized that what he wanted to do was to help teach music to kids. He works at a charter school helping nine and ten year olds play music and learn the fundamentals of being in a band. He plays many instruments but likes to sing the most.

Levi Cecil is considered to be his “favorite” student and also his “best bud,” along with all the other students. When asked about his favorite place to play a show, he noted that the Great Pacific was “of course” his favorite place.

Thomas listed his hobbies as running, playing basketball, and other “normal guy stuff.” He really likes to watch movies and cited that Grease 2 was “so much better than the first.” He also recommends that both Batman movies with “either Jack Nicholson or Heath Ledger are good ones to watch.” Thomas Paul in his first year at camp is a much loved and respected person.

By Sarah

Inside Look: Skyler Norwood

Age: 29
Years at rock camp: 3
Hometown: Portland, Or.

“My worst fear? Being physically unable to play music.” Skyler Norwood says. Then he goes quiet for a second, thinking, “babies are also my worst fear. They are slimy, and just in general they’re scary.” This quote shows that, behind his big glasses and musical talent, he can be not only serious, but also really fun. Skyler is in his third year at the rock camp and is beloved by the campers here.

Skyler works as a producer at his studio in Portland, his hometown. He is also in the band Point Juncture, WA. Being in the band has gotten him a very interesting tattoo and a story to match. It is his “heart to elk tattoo that I got at four in the morning.” He goes on to tell that, though he wishes he got it on different terms (like in the middle of the day when the other band members had gotten the same tattoo) he still loves it.

Skyler plays many instruments, such as the guitar and the vibraphone (along with lasers!), but thinks that the drums are his favorite thing to play and says that he is “all right” at them. Clear blue happens to be his favorite color and Wilson—his bandmate and fellow counselor—is his favorite student. He also loves to play at the Great Pacific. And he is just happy to be “rocking it with the students.”

By Sarah Saenz