Band Camp 2024: Where Music and Memories Meet

Written by: Nino Nguyen

Photos by: Nino Nguyen, Mrs. Abbott

Edited by: Zara Ahluwalia     

On the bright, sunny morning of Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, TAB’s Music Department departed to the well-loved Band Camp in Brantford. Choir, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble took a trip down to Circle Square Ranch.

Upon arrival, the concert bands had the opportunity to work with guest conductor, David Williams, who recently retired from Abbey Park High School. Sharing his wisdom, he worked with the Wind Ensemble Concert Band to help improve the band’s techniques and musicality. 

“I really enjoyed the way he conducted and how the experience was different from what I’m used to. I found that he broke down concepts to make it easier to understand and helped everyone improve in a new way,” remarked grade 10 student, Sophia Ciubotaru Beffa. 

Afterwards, everyone ate a hearty lunch of delicious chicken shawarma and rice, naan, salad, apricot juice, and sweet treats. Many crowded together to eat on combined tables, to talk, bond, and get to know each other better. 

Soon after, the schedules switched and the Symphonic Winds Concert Band had their opportunity to work with David. Meanwhile, musicians in the Wind Ensemble Concert Band separated into small groups based on low voices to high to work on their parts as a team. 

Later on, everyone was able to participate in the various activities around the Ranch, such as rock climbing, archery, as well as the annual scavenger photo hunt. 

Finally, musicians in Wind Ensemble stayed to spend two more hours at the Ranch. Together, everyone ate delicious pizza and then gathered at the Ranch’s campfire located on the hilltops. Grade 12 students, Lauren Silva, Connor Hindle, and AJ Strath-Lucic prompted everyone to sing campfire songs such as Linger by Cranberries, Piano Man by Billy Joel, and many more classics. 

Band Camp is truly a memorable experience for every musician who is able to attend. In the wise words of grade 12 student Ashley Lynds: “It’s really fun, super educational, and overall an amazing bonding experience. I was very lucky to be able to experience it all throughout my years in the TAB Music Department.”