Summer at Band Camp.
Some Kimberley kids have been lucky enough to spend their summer at band camp, learning not just performing music, but the ins and outs of life in a band — from financial to setting up for gigs.
Running the camp is local musician Fraser Armstrong. Kimberley residents will have heard him playing around town of late with his family band, In Pursuit.
The nine kids, ranging in age from 11 to 19, received five days of instruction and rehearsal and then have an opportunity to play for the community.
That will happen this Saturday, August 15 at the Kimberley Elks Hall, doors open at 6:30, music begins at 7 p.m. Admission to the all ages event is $4.
Playing will be the Cool Cool Jay Walkers, Sailor Twift and In Pursuit.
“The kids got 12 songs together in a week at band camp,” Armstrong said. “Then they get together after and fine tune. Some of them are pretty new to music. The base player in Cool Cool Jay Walkers can’t be more than 11. I’m really impressed with the way the kids handle themselves.
“And they’re having so much fun. This is something we could do on a bigger scale.”
Armstrong says the kids are learning entrepreneurship along with music. It’s important to him that they learn that you can make a living with music but it needs to be approached like a business.
“We want the kids to put out a professional sounding product. I want them to assign value to what they are doing. It can be more than a hobby.”
Sponsoring the event are Overwaitea, The Brick, Chamber of Commerce, Kimberley Building Supplies, Grub Stake Pizza, Signal Collision, Marysville Pub, Ray’s Music, Just Music, Chef Bernard’s, 102.9 The Drive, Daily Bulletin and Sandor Equipment Rental.
