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Middle School Summer Band Camp

BEF makes Middle School Summer Band Camp affordable for everyone by providing financial support that served 240 students this summer with a two-week intensive musical experience.
SummerBand_2025
middle school band camp 2024
BSD Band Summer Camp Logo - Holly Van Houten

At A Glance:

BEF Investment: $15,000

240

students participated

42

students received financial aid

Playing in a band is an integral part of the middle school and high school experience for many Beaverton students. As part of BEF’s support for Arts & Music, we provide financial support to the Middle School Summer Band Camp. With our investment of $15,000, 240 students got an amazing musical experience this summer, with a portion of the funds went to providing financial aid to make camp accessible for everyone.

Band camp ran for two weeks in July, hosted at Sunset High School. Each day, students received one hour of small group instruction from a professional on their instrument followed by two hours of rehearsal playing in ensembles geared to their playing levels. The camp culminated with a performance on the last day for families and friends in the auditorium.
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Students made significant growth as musicians in just two weeks as they had great instruction and were challenged to play difficult pieces at a high level of proficiency. Another goal of the camp is to help middle school players prepare to continue their musical education in high school; retention numbers are much higher among students who attended camp compared to students who did not. Teachers also share that students become more confident players and many go on to play in honors bands or serve as section leaders at their schools. Plus, they get to have a lot of fun with music!

"

This camp is great for my students. Some of my students who really struggled during the year came back playing more confidently and are now leaders in the band class. The individualized small group instruction on their instrument every day is a game changer for them.

Band Director

"

I love that we get to play together during the summer in a group. I feel like I am better at my instrument now and I got to know some new people from other schools. The music we played was really fun too.

Student

"

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and many families start contacting me as early as January asking when next year’s camp will be.

Band Camp Coordinator, Blake Allen

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