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

Hello band family,

It is with great sadness that I write this message.  Band camp will be suspended this summer due to COVID-19 concerns. We take the safety and health of our campers and teachers seriously and can’t insure proper distancing and disinfecting in an atmosphere where we are all blowing in groups.

This well-established four week program provides students ages 9-14 an opportunity to continue their musical learning in the summer. The camp is directed by educator and performer Jocelyn Tipple Read Bio and is staffed by a host of professional musicians. 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. 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!

Tuition: $125.00

Dates: 2021 TBD

Location: First United Methodist Church, 305 East Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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 experience.  The first hour is combined concert band under the direction of Ms. Tipple; the second hour is split into groups according to instrument type, with specialists helping each section.

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

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 Jocelyn Tipple 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 First Methodist, 305 E Anapamu con Garden en Santa Barbara, a partir del 15 de junio y terminará con un concierto el 9 de julio.

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. Tipple; 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. Tipple.

Nota importante: El primer día de clase, el 15 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 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!

A DVD of the 2019 Band Camp final concert from Shooting Stars Video.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS! 

The Santa Barbara Bowl 

The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation

Daniel and Mandy Hochman

Paul Mori

The Perez Family