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Manitoba’s Summer Band Camps Strike a Chord with Young Musicians
Presented by the Manitoba Band Association, camps offer music, mentorship and community across the province
Camps in Full Swing This August
As August approaches, so does an annual highlight for young Manitoba musicians: the return of the Manitoba Band Association’s summer band camps. Taking place in Garden City, Elmwood, Fort Garry, St. James, Oak Bank, and at the University of Manitoba (home of the Prairie Brass and Percussion Camp), these camps give students a chance to reconnect with their instruments, their peers, and their passion for music.
“It’s a chance for kids to get together and community with other youth their age, with their peers, and to do something they probably haven’t done for 3-4 or five weeks at this point—which is make some music,” said Brent Johnson, Executive Director of the Manitoba Band Association.
More Than Music: It’s a Summer Community
Each of the camps has its own vibe, but all share a common spirit of mentorship, learning, and fun. Marissa Hirsch, camp coordinator for the Oak Bank camp, delights in planning both musical and recreational activities. “This year, I have 2,000 water balloons lined up for one of our activities,” she laughed. “Buying water balloons is a big deal for me.”
Lindsey Donnick, who coordinates the St. James camp, added: “It’s that excitement that comes before the storm, and the storm is like the most beautiful thing ever because you see the sparks in children’s eyes come back. You see campers that are returning for years and years… it’s kind of like a little family reunion.”
Camps Built on Community Partnerships
Running camps across multiple locations is no small feat. Planning begins as soon as the previous year’s camps wrap up. Johnson emphasized the critical support from local school divisions and host facilities.
“We could not do this without their support and we could not make it as affordable as we’re able to without their support,” he said. “They let us invade their spaces with our tiny humans and their noise makers for a week.”
Who Can Attend?
The camps are open to students in Grades 6 to 9, and campers don’t need to attend the camp closest to them. Many families choose dates and locations that fit best into their summer schedules. Hirsch noted a particularly heartwarming aspect: “One of the coolest things is having them age out at Grade 9 but come back as student volunteers.”
She cited a full-circle moment: “I have one right now who is our clarinet instructor… she was interviewed by Classic 107 way back when we had the very first Ken Epp Award. She was a camper, got the award, went to university, and this is her first year as one of our instructors.”
A Day in the Life of Band Camp
Camp days are packed with full band rehearsals, sectionals, small ensembles, enrichment activities, and even master classes.
A typical day at the Oak Bank band camp, as described by camp coordinator Marissa Hirsch, is a dynamic mix of music-making and fun. Students, who range from Grades 6 to 9, rotate through a variety of activities including full band rehearsals—this year led by conductor Kevin Doell—sectionals, enrichment sessions, and small ensemble work. The week culminates in an ensemble festival on Friday afternoon, showcasing what the campers have learned. And it’s not all music—Hirsch also plans recreational activities to keep the camp lively, including theme days and, notably, an arsenal of 2,000 water balloons ready for some splash-filled fun.
“At St. James… we have multiple full band rehearsals a day. We have sectional time with our clinicians that is so important… they get to ask really professional level questions,” said Donnick. “Some of these kids are being handed really high quality, high level music in Grade 6 that they would never have access to on their own.”
Recreation also plays a big role. “We do like a ‘create your own instrument’ out of recycled items,” she added. “They’re able to grow not just in musicianship, but as sociable community members.”
A Response to Cuts in Arts Education
Donnick, who works in the Manitoba school system, acknowledged the broader significance of the camps amid diminishing support for arts education.
“There’s been a lot of attention that has been turned away from arts programs… this strong demand from these families and these kids who need to make music when they don’t have to be—they need to have that community,” she said. “It brings people joy, brings people purpose.”
The Saint James camp is already full, and registrations are up across the board. “All of our camps have grown,” said Johnson.
Long-Term Impact on Students and Schools
Hirsch and Donnick both spoke about the lasting effects summer band camps have on students’ musical development and school-year engagement.
“I have a few dozen kids who come back to school absolutely ready to go,” said Hirsch. “That leadership they bring back… it spreads throughout your whole program.”
Donnick shared a similar experience. “Even seeing their first concerts… I notice that they are a leader in their sections and they are so proud of themselves. It jump-starts this positive feeling of, ‘I can’t wait to be in band class.’”
How to Register
Camps are open until one week before each session begins. For more information and to register, visit mbband.org and click on the summer camp section.
As Brent Johnson put it, “We’d love to have more kids.”
Whether your child is picking up their instrument for the first time since June or looking to take their playing to the next level, the Manitoba Band Association’s summer camps offer the perfect environment to learn, grow, and have a blast doing it. With top-notch instructors, vibrant musical programming, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, these camps don’t just build better musicians—they build lasting friendships and a lifelong love of music. Spots are filling up fast, so don’t miss the chance to be part of one of Manitoba’s most inspiring summer traditions.