The Bombastic World of Band Camps
We here at the Original Breath Builder are deeply invested in fostering the future of the musical arts and the performers that help to create it. Inspiring young musicians is incredibly important to not only keep up the musical culture in bands and orchestras across the world, but also in reiterating traditions to create new practices and ideas. Over the past years, however, young musicians have faced many problems. Most notably the Covid-19 pandemic and its long-lasting effects on how and where people can perform. In order to make up for that lost time, we should encourage aspiring performers to find new ways to hone their talents. One way that they can do this is by going to band camp.
Some of us might have fun memories going to summertime band camps as a kid. The excitement of meeting new people, doing fun activities, practicing day in and out to get ready for one big final performance. Though if you’re like me, the closest you ever got to band camp was watching the Camp Rock movies growing up. So, why should we think about band camps today?
Well, that’s because they can help the future of both the children we raise and the music that they will make. It’s a place for kids to be who they are and practice what they love. For many kids these days, their yearly band practice ends the second they get out of school for summer. This is because of many troubling reasons. Some kids can’t afford permanent instruments and have to rent them through the schools, so they lose access to practicing when schools are closed. Others lack the proper environment to practice during the summer break, whether it be due to problems at home or not having the correct practice materials. Summer then comes with a big risk for practice loss, which can have incredibly detrimental effects on music learners. Or it can just keep kids from doing more of what they love on their own time and without the pressures of homework and a school schedule.
So, to counteract that, different companies across the US offer band camps for young learners. The role of the modern band camp is to not only provide young, inexperienced musicians a place to play, but also a place to grow a community through connections. On top of music practice, campers get to meet other students and mentors. Forging connections that can go on to help them later in their careers. This keeps them motivated to continue learning their instruments for the years to come.
There are many great band camps across the country. Some of which are even offered by prestigious music schools, such as the Berklee College of Music. Berklee offers a wealth of programs. Like their five-week summertime Aspire program, which offers college credit upon completion. Another is the Music for All Summer Symposium. Its marching band program goes beyond just learning traditional marching practices. Participants are also taught dance, communication skills, and drill charts. And of course, there is the keenly-named band camp, School of Rock. This international franchise of neighborhood band camps specializes in teaching young musicians who are just starting their lessons. Participants also get the benefit of its unique patented School of Rock Method. These and many more institutions are out there to help our newest musicians become more confident and enthused in their dreams of pursuing music. You’ve just got to find the right one for your musician.
There’s a whole world of band camps out there, offering a wide range of benefits to students. Practice and dedication are some of the best ways for new learners to keep their skills on par and to keep them motivated in learning. If you’ve got a young musician of your own, then maybe sending them to a band camp is the next right step.
