BandWorks Summer Camp & Teen Intensives
BandWorks offers five different summer camp programs for kids and teens. Each program provides a supportive environment for young musicians to have fun playing music with other kids, and develop their music skills at the same time. Camps run mornings (9am to 12pm) and afternoons (1pm to 4pm) each week. Supervision between sessions is provided for kids who sign up for both morning and afternoon programs.
Teen Intensives run 6:30-9:30pm in Oakland.
All of our sessions are led by trained professional musicians who love to teach. Please contact us at info@bandworks.com or 510-843-BAND (2263) for more information. We are still accepting summer camp registrations for 2011.
Please note camp schedules are subject to change. Be sure to click on the location nearest you for the most up-to-date schedule information. The maximum class size is 10 students in camps for ages 8-12, 8 students in camps for ages 12+. Most larger classes also have trained teaching assistants. If you’d like to arrange for a Private Group Camp, please contact our office for details. We recommend contacting our office to check on availability prior to sending in your materials.
Click here for a location near you
Camps Offered (Click for Description)
Intro to Rock Band Instruments
Rock Jam
Rock Band
The Music of...
CD Recording
Girls Rock
Teen After-Hours Rock Intensive - Oakland & San Jose
Intro to Rock Band Instruments
Wish you could play guitar? Always wanted to try the drums? Whether you've never picked up an instrument before or are curious about trying a new one, this camp offers you a chance to learn some basic skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals. Campers get to experience the thrill of playing in a real rock band, playing songs together by the end of the first day, and working toward a rocking in-studio performance on the last day of camp! No previous musical experience required. All instruments provided.
Rock Jam
For those ready to rock! In addition to playing your favorite rock songs, this camp offers bands the chance to compose and work on their own original songs. Our teachers will guide your band through the process of cooperatively composing songs complete with chords and lyrics, and help the band refine their arrangements and polish the final product for an in-studio performance at the end of the week. You'll get plenty of chances to solo, sing (if you want), and rock out on your favorite songs too. At least 1 year musical experience required. All instruments welcome. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).
Rock Band
The pure rock and roll summer camp experience! Each week you and your bandmates choose your favorite songs from your favorite bands and rehearse them in our fully equipped studios, and work toward a rocking in-studio concert at the end of the week. Each week is different, with different kids, different instrumentation, and different songs, so sign up for as many weeks as you like! All instruments welcome. At least 6 months musical experience required. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).
The Music of... Green Day / Hip Hop / Jimi Hendrix / Led Zeppelin / Metal / The Beatles / Red Hot Chili Peppers
Learn to play the music of your favorite band! Each week this workshop focuses on the music of one of these incredible rock bands that have defined rock music over the past few decades. You'll get to choose a handful of their songs and rehearse them for a final in-studio concert at the end of the week. At least 1 year musical experience required. All instruments welcome. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).
CD Recording
Our summer CD Recording Program is for kids and teens who have a little more musical experience and want to play in a band and record a CD. We match students by instrumentation, age and experience level. Each session culminates in a live CD recording at the end of the week. Each day the band meets in our fully equipped rehearsal studio, and works on playing the handful of songs they’ve chosen for recording. Rehearsals are structured and fun, enabling kids and teens to play the music they want, and work toward the goal of making a CD the kids can take home on Friday. Please note that in our effort to offer the best possible experience in our CD camps, availability may be limited depending on enrollment variables such as age and experience level. Please contact us for specific up-to-date information about signing up. At least 1 year of musical experience required. All instruments welcome. (Limit 1 drum, 1 bass, 1 keys, 3 guitars per band).
Girls Rock
The ultimate rock experience for girls! Girls work together to discover and develop their own voices and talents in a supportive rock band setting. Our experienced teachers work with the all-girl groups to develop a set which reflects the girls’ unique tastes. The band will then showcase an in-studio performance at the end of the week. All instruments welcome. At least 6 months musical experience required. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).
Teen After-Hours Rock Intensive
Get a groove on summer evenings with other advanced, teen musicians. Play your favorite rock tunes. Learn to shred solos, jam on riffs, and pound out a set that will blow your friends away. Each week is different, with different musicians, different instrumentation, different songs, and different focus. Minimum 2 years experience required, all instruments welcome.
Locations (choose a location for specific schedule and registration)
BandWorks Advisory Board
Mark Coplan, Public Information Officer, Berkeley Unified School District
Peachy Dimanlig,
Parent & Omnicia Inc., Corporate Operating Officer and Co-founder, Peninsula
Rochelle Grechman-Dibley, Enrichment Recreation Supervisor, San Rafael Community Services
Miriam Lite, Parent Activist, Marin County
Reuben Jenkins, Omnicia Inc., President & CEO, Co-Founder, Peninsula
Jennifer Leydecker, Educare Director, San Carlos Charter Learning Center
Phil Maresca, Parent & Regional President of Impact Sales, Livermore Area
Kathy Rains, Parent, TriValley/San Ramon Area
Marie Schumacher, Director PDX Vox (Portland), Parent
Gerry Tenney, Board member Klez California and Jewish Youth for Community Action, Berkeley/Oakland Area
Brian Shuma, Parent and IT Professional, San Jose Area