Summer Band Camps

MBA Summer Band Camps (established 1989) are offered at four locations. Activities vary from location to location and include some or all of the following: full band rehearsals, sectional instruction, small ensembles, master classes, ear training, rhythm training, sight reading, and a Friday evening public concert. Additional information is available on the registration form (February 2011). 

2010 Camp Reports

St. James-Assiniboia (Ness Middle School)

Chantal Martin , Coordinator

The 11th annual summer band camp in St. James-Assiniboia was held at Golden Gate Middle School from August 16-20, 2010. Twenty-one years ago, MBA summer band camp originally started in our very own Winnipeg West region.

Fifty-two eager students came from 16 different schools around Manitoba: Bruce, Cecil Rhodes, Charleswood, Golden Gate, Gordon Bell, Hedges, Isaac Brock, Lincoln, Lockport, Sargent Park, St. John's-Ravenscourt, Stanley Knowles, Ste. Anne, Thompson, Westdale and Sturgeon Heights.

We were pleased to welcome back Cheryl Ferguson as Musical Director.  It is always so inspirational to watch Cheryl share her musical knowledge in her warm and sincere manner with the students.  She encouraged them to strive for excellence as individuals and as a musical ensemble. Her leadership and genuine approach to music making while adding humorous stories and analogies here and there, assured both personal and collective musical growth amongst all players within the band. Thank you Cheryl, for sharing your musical passion and your stories with us. You inspired and motivated everyone involved, making band camp a positive and memorable experience for all!  We hope to collaborate with you again for next summer!  Did I mention that she bakes for the band camp staff as well?!

Hats off to our wonderful and dedicated staff of instructors who taught the students this summer. They shared their musical knowledge with energy, wit and patience, helping the young players grow into better musicians. This year’s dream-team included: Joanne Keeler (flute), Amanda Pettit (oboe), Melanie Skoropata (bassoon), Kathy Lalonde (clarinet), Brian Klowak (saxophone), Meaghan Danielson (trumpet), Finn Johnson (low brass), Kevin Radomsky and Alain Guilmette (percussion).  Special thanks to Cheryl who also helped teach the french horn sectionals. Thank you to all new and returning staff members for your commitment and dynamism. It is always a treat to see that the staff was having as much fun as the students!

Throughout the week, students participated in full band and sectional rehearsals, family sectionals led by the instructors, instrumental enrichment classes, small ensemble playing, and the ever-popular, rhythm enrichment classes taught by Kevin Radomsky. The week wouldn’t be complete without the traditional daily themes! We all dressed up for section colour day, PJ day, Halloween costume day and everyone’s favourite - 80’s day! The 3 teams: Treble Makers, Ketchup with my Jam, and Blue Man Brass, earned daily points to compete for a free dessert with the Friday pizza lunch.

Students shared their week’s work of learning ensemble music with their peers and families in the annual Solo and Ensemble Showcase on Friday afternoon, as well as a final evening concert on August 20th at Golden Gate Middle School. A special thanks to Chris Lalonde who joined us in the trombone section in the evening concert.

Both concerts were a joyful celebration of the students’ hard work and success. One of the evening concert highlights was a performance of Michael Sweeney’s composition; Where The Sun Breaks Through The Mist.  Students and staff were invited to bring family vacation pictures, which were projected on a screen during the performance. This served as a dedication and thank you to our parents’ love and support of our endeavours. Other musical selections included: The Phantom Of The Opera (arr. Michael Sweeney), Of Gentle Spirit (William Owens), Snake Charmer (Randall Standridge), and Star Wars/Raiders March (arr. Paul Lavender). We will certainly never forget Mrs. Ferguson conducting with her light-up, neon-green baton for Star Wars (also a convenient lip balm - really...does is get ANY better?)  Four student ensembles also performed for the appreciative audience.

At the end of the week, musical awards were given to the most improved player as well as a leadership award to students within each instrument section. In addition, each camp participant received a certificate of achievement as well as a commemorative group photo.

Other key players assuring the success of camp were the amazing student volunteers and assistants who were of invaluable help to keep things running. A big thank you to Jessica Radomsky and Montanna Coad, who were band campers themselves just last year. Thank you to returning helpers Braden Green and Corey Zrobek as well. Their presence and willingness to help each year is a testimony to the ongoing success of the camp. I was so proud to see former campers and especially band directors who made it a point to come to the final concert. I also wish to thank Marissa Hirsch, the devoted camp mastermind, and my dear friend, who has coordinated the summer band camp in Winnipeg West for the past 8 years. Thank you for our partnership in coordinating the week and though you’re leaving to teach in Oakbank, I hope we can continue this summer tradition together!

Thank you to the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, Golden Gate Middle School administration and custodial staff, Long & McQuade and St. John’s Music for their generous support and prize donations, as well as Ken Epp and the Manitoba Band Association for the organization of these annual summer band camps.

Fort Garry (Vincent Massey Collegiate)

Jacquie Dawson, Coordinator

Coming 

Elmwood (Mennonite Brethren Collegiate)

Andrew Klassen, Coordinator

Coming

Oakbank

Amanda Tougas , Coordinator

Coming