[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]
This summer, the SBEF celebrated its most successful season of Summer Music Camps yet. With four unique camps, this year’s programs helped students develop musical skills, boost confidence, and make new friends.
Nick Rail Summer Band Camp 2025 (Photo by Paul Mori)
At the heart of the summer was the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp, the longest-running of the camps. Now in its 36th year, this well-established program continues to play a vital role in shaping young musicians. This year’s camp featured a special visit from professional saxophonist Lito Hernandez, who is an SB Unified and Berklee College of Music alum and a former Nick Rail Band camper. Lito shared his journey and talent with our students, inspiring the next generation of musicians right here where it all began.
The String Camp offered violin, viola, cello, and bass players the opportunity to deepen their skills, play in ensembles, and work on solo pieces. We were honored to welcome violinist Randall Goosby, cellist Miles Goosby, and pianist Zhu Wang to our Summer String Camp! The trio, who were in town as guest artists at the Music Academy of the West, took the time to share their music and offer encouragement to our young musicians. Their visit brought energy, inspiration, and an unforgettable experience for our campers.
Drumline Camp 2025 (Photo by Paul Mori)
The Drumline Camp kept the energy high with precision, rhythm, and teamwork. For the youngest musicians, the Sound Waves Music & Movement Camp provided an engaging introduction to rhythm, melody, and group performance for rising 1st through 3rd graders.
What makes these camps truly special is the leadership and musical talent behind them. Each one is led by Santa Barbara Unified music teachers, who dedicate part of their summer to continuing their work with students.
Campers wrapped up their sessions with final concerts, drawing enthusiastic audiences of families and friends. The String Camp and Drumline Camp concerts highlighted the students’ teamwork and skills, while the Nick Rail Band Camp finale at the Marjorie Luke Theatre ended with a powerful, full-band performance for all four group levels. Even our littlest Sound Waves campers played and sang with all their heart for a classroom full of proud parents.
We’re so grateful to our amazing teachers, performing artists, and generous sponsors, including Kathy Bette, Daniel and Mandy Hochman, The Dunlap Family, Nick Rail Music, Laura Penrose, Haydee Perez, the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, the Rotary Club of Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, and The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, for making it all possible! These camps remained financially accessible through scholarships and low-cost registration. As always, SBEF is committed to ensuring every student has access to high-quality music education.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]
Watch the Camp Performances!
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