Providing an enriching and affordable summer music experience for kids since 1989.

This well-established four-week program provides students ages 9-14 an opportunity to continue their musical learning in the summer. This year we welcome a new director, local music educator Devon Nelson, and the teaching staff is a mix of professional musicians and educators.  Camp includes concert band as well as sectional instruction and ends with a performance so the students can show their family and friends what they’ve accomplished. (Performance is TBD due to COVID restrictions).   Students of all ability levels are welcome to attend (Yes, even beginners!) Don’t miss this fun opportunity to continue your student’s musical training!  Please inquire if your student is in need of a scholarship.  **Campers will need to wear musician masks and have bell covers, which will be provided by the camp.   Camp will be held entirely outdoors and we will be following SB Public Health guidelines.

 There are a limited amount of scholarships available for students who receive free/reduced lunch.  If you are in need of a scholarship, do not sign up online.  Print out this 2021 Registration Form English or 2021 Registration Form Spanish , fill it out, and bring in with a copy of your free/reduced lunch letter.  The scholarship cost is $50 per student.

Class Levels: 

Class 1 BEGINNING (8am to 9am) is for the complete beginner who has never ever played before. It is split into groups for flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet and trombone with specialists for each section.

Class 2 INTERMEDIATE (8am to 10am) is for the beginning student who has one to two years of experience.  The first hour is a combined concert band under the direction of Ms. Nelson; the second hour is split into groups according to instrument type, with specialists helping each section.

Class 3 ADVANCED (10am to noon) is for a student with more than two years’ experience.  The first hour is sectionals and the second one is concert band with Ms. Nelson.

Important Note: The first day of class is for registration, orientation, and audition. 

¡Apúntenlo en el calendario y asegúrense de incluir esta clase popular como parte de sus planes para el verano! El campamento es dirigido por Devon Nelson y atendido por una gran cantidad de músicos profesionales. Las clases se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves durante cuatro semanas en la iglesia

Clase 1 PRINCIPIANTE (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.) es para el principiante que nunca ha tocado un instrumento antes. Se divide solamente en grupos de flauta, clarinete, saxofón, trompeta y trombón con especialistas para cada sección.

Clase 2 INTERMEDIO (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.) es para el estudiante principiante que tiene uno o dos años de experiencia. La primera hora se combinan las bandas bajo la dirección de la Srta. Nelson; la segunda hora se divide en grupos según el tipo de instrumento, con especialistas que ayudan a cada sección.

Clase 3 AVANZADA (10 a.m. – 12 m) es para el estudiante que tiene más de dos años de experiencia. En la primera hora hay seccionales y la segunda es la banda de concierto con Srta. Nelson.

Nota importante: El primer día de clase, el 14 de junio, es para la inscripción, la orientación y la audición, y comenzará a las 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. para todos.

 There was a time, many years ago, when band was just as much a part of summer school curriculum as all the other topics you’d expect to find offered. Then, in the late 1980’s, the economy contracted and choices had to be made. Summer classes were cut, including band.

Fortunately, Nick Rail of Nick Rail Music, the district’s primary vendor for band and orchestral goods and services, learned of the proposed cuts before the end of the 1988-89 school year. Not wanting students to be deprived of the opportunity to play and study music over the summer, Nick went to work. With a bit of luck and fast thinking, a plan to reinvent the class was born. The district agreed to rent the band room at La Colina for a modest fee, Dr. Charles Wood of SBCC accepted the position of camp director, and professional musicians were recruited to complete the teaching staff. Voila: The Nick Rail Summer Band Camp was born!

The primary goal was to offer band class during the summer and the secondary goal was to make it as affordable as possible, so lower-income students would have equal opportunity to participate. Nick Rail Music has been privileged to support the camp since its inception, and both goals have been met each year.

Under the able and expert management of SBEF, the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp is guaranteed to be able to continue serving the musical needs of our community’s youth for many years to come. Now in its 31st year, this camp is not to be missed!