National Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor Ben Folds will join Planet Word, a DC-based interactive museum devoted to immersive language experiences, the NSO, and Camp A Cappella in co-hosting an immersive a cappella camp – entitled “DC Camp A Cappella Intensive” – for area a cappella groups on Tuesday, April 26th.

This unique one-day camp will be led by singer/arranger/composer Deke Sharon, co-founder of Camp A Cappella, and recognized as one of the leaders of the contemporary a cappella community. In addition to teaching a cappella camps around the world, Sharon also served as a consultant to NBC’s popular a cappella competition series “The Sing Off” and to the “Pitch Perfect” film series.

In addition to the one-day camp, the participating DC-area a cappella groups will also perform on the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer of the Kennedy Center  on Friday, April 29th, just prior to the “Ben Folds Presents: Declassified” concert in the KC’s Main Concert Hall.

The April 29th “Ben Folds Presents: Declassified” concert, which begins at 9 PM ET, will feature spoken word songs by William Shatner with the NSO.

Folds, a long-time champion of a cappella, released an album in 2009 of college a cappella performances that he recorded around the country, called “University A Cappella!”

“In my role as the NSO’s Artistic Advisor, I’ve worked closely over the years with the orchestra to help build bridges between all genres of music and performance,” said Folds. “At our April 29th concert, we will be showcasing the iconic, powerful voice of William Shatner as he speaks on stage over original scores presented by the orchestra, illustrating how spoken word can be presented as a powerful musical experience.”

“DC Camp A Cappella Intensive” will involve a series of immersive workshops and sessions with Sharon and Folds, covering subjects from vocal techniques to composition, presentation, and performance. The participating a cappella groups are also scheduled to perform on the Millennium Stage outside the Main Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center beginning at 8 PM ET.

Planet Word will serve as host of the day camp at its home, located at 935 13th Street in the newly restored historic Franklin School building. Planet Word is a nonprofit museum dedicated to the power and fun of language. Founded by philanthropist Ann Friedman, the museum invites visitors of all ages to experience what words mean to the human experience in a fun, technologically advanced, immersive environment. For more information, visit PlanetWordMuseum.org.