Students benefit from cultural opportunities that expose them to different perspectives beyond what may be encountered in their immediate environment. The Appalachian community that is the subject of this article enjoys a rich tradition of vocal folk songs, instrumental dance tunes, and church music. Young people have opportunities to hear traditional Appalachian music and country music via the radio and computers. Yet there are few professional musicians in the community and limited live performances. People in poverty find it difficult to overcome such "arts deserts" to gain access to diverse music experiences. Under the direction of the Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center (ESC), a broad effort to counter the arts desert in rural Ohio included opportunities to experience music in a new way. Teachers and students in the Appalachian community gathered for a four-day music camp, creating an oasis in the music desert where students learned and experimented with a high-quality instructor, musical methods, and materials. This article explores the perceptions of the music teachers and students who participated in the camp.