Scene from previous Girls Rock Camp Vancouver. Photo courtesy Sarah Race Photography.
This Saturday, eight exciting, new bands take the stage at the 2016 Girls Rock Camp Vancouver showcase.
The camp brings girls from ages eight to 17 together to teach them new skills. At the end of an intensive week of learning, the girls form bands. This is the fifth Girls Rock Camp since the Vancouver chapter of the organization came into being six years ago. So what can you expect?
During the week, campers are taught songwriting, screen-printing, zine-making, gear set-up (all instruments etc are provided), along with self-defence. There are also positive self-image and identity discussions.
According to the Girls Rock Camp Vancouver website, “No musical experience is necessary! Campers of all skill levels choose their instrument of either guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, or vocals.”
The gear is provided and all types of music are encouraged.
Participants in the 2014 Girls Rock Camp Vancouver. Photo courtesy Sarah Race Photography.
In an interview with the-peak.ca, Alyce Becker, a long-time organizer who’s been a volunteer since the camp’s first year, is quoted as saying “It’s always a little different every year, because of different campers and volunteers. The set-up is the same, because it’s easy to recycle that blueprint, and every year we tweak it to get better. We’ve just continued to grow and learn each year.”
The all-ages showcase takes place this Saturday Aug 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. (doors at 1:30) at the Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway).
Advance tickets are $10 at eventbrite.ca. on Eventbrite $10. There will be limited tickets at the door ($10 at door or sliding scale) as well.
Girls Rock Camp Vancouver is a non-profit society is a collective of local musicians and community members. Since 2009, the registered non-profit has used music as a way to better the lives of young women through mentorship and skill-based workshops. It was inspired by Portland’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Camp for Girls, which started in 2001.
Music from past Girls Rock Camp Vancouver bands can be found online through the organization’s Bandcamp page.
