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Oakville Suzuki Association Performing Arts Camp

CAMP 2024

We hope to see you there!

Location:
Gaétan-Gervais Secondary School*
1075 McCraney St E,
Oakville, ON L6H 1H9

 
*pending approval by the School Board in early April

Dates:
Week 1: July 8-12
Week 2: July 15-19


Registration is open!

 

Register Here


Our Camp Programs...

...are for children aged 4 to adult—for the beginner, the experienced musician, and for everyone in between!

  • The Camp:

    Founded in 1980 by Jean Grieve, the Oakville Suzuki Association Performing Arts Summer Camp has grown from 50 campers to more than 300 each summer. This dynamic day camp attracts students, teachers, and guest conductors from all over the world.

    Our camp offers children of all skill levels, including beginners, an exciting experience with music, enhanced through optional classes such as drama, art, and dance. Held for two weeks in July, this fast-paced camp exposes campers to many activities that will challenge them to grow musically and personally.

    A defining feature of our camp is music instruction from one of our accomplished, professional teachers. We offer instruction in*:

    Cello •  Flute • Guitar • Piano • Violin • Viola • Voice

    * NOTE: not all instruments may be available in 2024

 
  • New in 2024:

    • Half Day (morning) program for children entering JK, SK. Parental participation is now optional.
    • Children entering Grade 1 may choose the half-day (morning) program (Junior) or full-day program (Senior)
    • Try-An-Instrument Program for Junior campers (entering JK, SK, or Grade 1) without a preferred instrument: each day will offer the opportunity to try a different instrument.
    • Instrument lessons will be in semi-private (2 students) format. (NOTE: as in 2023, there may be the option to add private lessons in addition to the semi-private lessons. These private lessons will be available as space allows and offered in order of registration date.)
  • The programs in brief:

    • Junior Program (JK, SK, and Grade 1; mornings, 9-12:15)
    • Senior Program (Grade 1 and up; full day, 9-3:15 or 3:30)
    • Leader in Training (born in the calendar year of 2010 or before)
    • Student Leader  (born in the calendar year of 2009 or before)
    • Volunteer Only opportunities. (born in the calendar year of 2010 or before). We have opportunities for a number of high school students to volunteer and earn community hours for some of our non-music related jobs. Must love working with young campers. Full day commitment preferred. Please apply using the Student Volunteering Form.

 

  • The programs in detail:

    Program choice is primarily age based…

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    …though exceptions may be made on an individual basis. A child's music education experience is not a factor in program selection.

    Most programs feature instruction in an instrument of your choice. Complementing this private instrument instruction is a combination of classes in art, dance, drama, drums, Kodaly, instrumental group, music theory, Orff, and more. Our camp also offers students the chance to participate in Orchestra, Chamber Ensembles and Choirs, as well as Music Theatre (some age/level limits apply).
    Each child's schedule is individual, and is based on their instrument and level. All parents are welcome to attend and observe.

    Please click on the program headings to expand/contract the information.
    • Junior Program (JK, SK, and Grade 1; mornings)

      A morning only camp, with parent or caregiver attendance optional. We encourage parental observation.

      Schedule includes:

      • Semi-private lesson in chosen instrument or participation in the Try-An-Instrument program (for those without a preferred instrument). 
      • A selection of age-appropriate classes (e.g. Orff*, group class, Kodaly, Crafts, Dalcroze, singing)

      *Musical and technical concepts taught using song, rhythm, movement, games, and percussion instruments.

    • Senior Program (Grades 1-8; full day)

      A full day camp, with parent or caregiver attendance optional. We encourage parental observation of the semi-private lesson.

      Schedule includes:

      • Semi-private lesson in chosen instrument
      • One daily group music lesson (orchestra may be substituted for more advanced students)
      • A selection from our open classes (NOTE: not all are offered every year): art, bell choir, choir, dance, drama, drama improv, drums, fiddle, jazz piano, musical theatre, Orff orchestra, RCM theory, recorder, ukulele; and introduction to: double bass, keyboard, viola, or violin.
      • Chamber music option* (book 3 and up)

       

      *extra fee applies, and the day will be extended (either beginning at 8:30am or finishing at 3:30pm)

    • Student Leaders and Leaders in Training (born 2010 or before)

      This program is a great way for high school students to earn volunteer community hours while learning leadership skills. Our student leaders will have an opportunity to assist teachers and younger campers and to participate in ensembles, chamber groups, and open classes such as musical theatre. Applications are available on our online registration system. Candidates must be approved by the camp administrators. Unfortunately we cannot make any exceptions to the age restriction for Student Leaders and Leaders in Training.

    • Volunteer Only (born 2010 or before)

      This program is a great way for high school students to earn volunteer community hours while learning leadership skills. No musical education or experience is required. Duties often involve non-music related activities. Applications are available on our online registration system. Volunteers must love working with young campers. Full day commitment required. Candidates must be approved by the camp administrators. NOTE: the Volunteer Only program does not include participation in orchestra or musical theatre.

      Registration for the Volunteer Only program is separate from regular camp registration. Please use the Student Volunteering Form to apply.

  • Questions:

    Some of our most frequently asked questions…

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    Please click on the questions below to show/hide the answer.
    • What will my child's camp day look like (Junior Program)?

      Every camper's schedule is custom built, and for each camper every day is the same. Classes are 30 minutes in length, and a 15-minute break is built in.

      Camp hours: 
      Junior campers: Camp begins at 9:00am and ends at 12:15. The fee includes care from 8:00am-9:00am. Campers will need to be picked up by 12:30pm at the latest.
       

    • What will my child's camp day look like (Senior Program)?

      Every camper's schedule is custom built. Start and finish times may vary between campers, but for each camper every day is the same except for Friday when we have in-class performances and a big concert in the cafeteria. Classes are 45, or 60 minutes in length, and lunch time and a break are built in.

      Camp hours: 

      For most Senior campers, camp begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:15 or 3:30pm. Campers taking Junior Chamber begin at 8:30am. Campers taking Advanced Chamber will finish at 3:30pm. Everyone must be picked up by 3:45pm at the latest. If you feel your camper cannot responsibly sit in the cafeteria while waiting for pick up, please choose Before or After Care during registration. Before Care is available from 8:00am for an additional $30.00 per week (Monday-Friday). After Care is available until 5:00pm for an additional $40 per week (Monday-Thursday).

    • We're just beginning. Which instrument should we choose?

      Camp is a wonderful place to try an instrument that you're considering for lessons, so choose the instrument that you enjoy the most. Many of our advanced students started learning their instruments at camp. Or, for Junior program campers without a preferred instrument, choose our Try-An-Instrument Program which will allow hands-on experience with several of our Suzuki instruments (no rental necessary). We're also happy to offer personalized advice. Just email us at info@oakvillesuzuki.org

    • Where do I get an instrument?

      Students in the Try-An-Instrument program : Come as you are! We will provide instruments for use during camp.

      Flute, guitar, violin, viola, and cello : These instruments must be rented if you do not already have one. We do not provide them at camp. See notes for rental below.

      Piano: A piano is available for use during lessons at camp for free. 

      Instrument rentals should be arranged in advance of camp. For violin/viola/cello rentals we usually recommend that parents contact The Sound Post at www.thesoundpost.com (ph: 416-971-6990). For guitar and flute rentals we usually recommend that parents contact Long & McQuade (https://www.long-mcquade.com/ ).

    • Will there be a place to purchase music or supplies onsite?

      No. In our current venue, there isn't room for an onsite store. However, the Sound Post will deliver online orders to camp for pick up. Please contact the Sound Post in advance to purchase music (books and CDs), supplies, and arrange or finalize instrument rentals.

    • I have an infant/toddler. Can I bring them to class with my Junior/Intermediate) camper?

      To maintain the integrity of the program, we ask that younger siblings are not brought into other classes, with the exception of very small, sleeping infants.

    • What is your policy if I have to cancel our registration?

      Refund requests must be submitted in writing by email or letter.

      Requests submitted prior to 45 days of the start of Week 1:

      All fees (Camp Program, Chamber, and any extras) will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $50.

      Requests submitted within 45 days of the start of Week 1:

      Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $100. Chamber and other extra fees will not be refunded. 

      Requests submitted within 21 days of the start of Week 1:

      Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $175. The holdback covers the administrative time and Masterclass/lesson fee. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded. 

      Requests submitted within 10 days of the start of Week 1:

      Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $250. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded. 

      Requests submitted on or after the first day of Week 1:

      No refunds.

    • Will my child have an opportunity to play in an orchestra or in Chamber Ensembles?

      As musicians gain experience they will participate in one of the two Orchestras (Junior or Senior) instead of group class. Additionally, there are opportunities to rehearse and perform as part of a chamber ensemble (additional fees apply to chamber music).

    • When will the campers perform?

      Each week there are a number of opportunities for the campers to perform. We encourage you to come out as much as possible to enjoy these performances.

      • Lunch Time Performances: Impromptu performances by soloists, duets, and larger groups every day at lunch in the cafeteria (12:15-12:45pm)
      • Thursday Evening Free Concert: Senior Orchestra, Advanced Chamber Groups, and special guests perform at Church Of The Incarnation
      • In-class performance (e.g. Dance, & Drama Performances): during class time on Thursday or Friday
      • Friday Final Concert: a selection of performances including choirs and both orchestras and culminating in the Junior and Senior Musical Theatre Performances

      Performance schedules will be available and posted at camp. The Program for the Thursday evening Concert will be emailed out the day before.

    • I'd love to take lessons too! Are there opportunities for parents to participate?

      Yes! We can accommodate adults in both private lessons (if space allows) and orchestra. Please contact us at info@oakvillesuzuki.org to indicate your interest.

    • I still have more questions

      Please send them to the registrar at: info@oakvillesuzuki.org

  • 2024 Camp Fees:

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    2024 Fees OSA Member Fee* Non Member Fee
    Program Type One Week Both Weeks One Week Both Weeks
    Junior** $280 $510 $300 $550
    Senior $435 $820 $455 $860
    Leaders in Training*** $260 $470 $280 $510
    Student Leaders*** $250 $450 $270 $490

    *The OSA Member Discount will appear in the shopping cart during check out
    **the Junior program ends at 12:15pm. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child(ren)
    ***
    students not in orchestra and/or advanced chamber will receive a partial refund (e.g. piano/voice students)

    Before and After Camp Care: 

    The Junior Program includes care from 8:00am-9:00am. Campers must be picked up by 12:30pm.

    Senior Program campers begin at 8:30 (jr chamber) or 9:00am and must be picked up by 3:45pm at the latest. Outside these times the following fees apply:

    • 8:00-9:00am (Monday-Friday): $30/week 
    • 3:15-5:00pm (Monday-Thursday): $40/week

    Program Enhancements are available for an extra fee:
    Subject to availability. Also, program and Book/RCM level requirements may apply

    • Junior Chamber: $60/week
    • Advanced Chamber: $100/week

    Financial Aid:

    Families of more than two children in the same household will receive a 50% reduction in the base price of camp for the third (lowest price) and subsequent child. Please register and pay for your camp programs and notify the registrar at info@oakvillesuzuki.org after you check out of your shopping cart. The discount(s) will be refunded manually.  As well, a limited amount of bursary funding is available. Please download the Summer Camp Bursary Form and email it to the OSA (info@oakvillesuzuki.org). PLEASE NOTE: Summer Camp Bursaries are separate from the regular OSA Scholarship and Bursary Program. The deadline for application is May 31.

    Refund policy for cancellation of registration:

    Refund requests must be submitted in writing by email or letter.

    Requests submitted prior to 45 days of the first day of Week 1:

    All fees (Camp Program, Chamber, and any extras) will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $50.

    Requests submitted within 45 days of the start of Week 1:

    Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $100. Chamber and other extra fees will not be refunded. 

    Requests submitted within 21 days of the start of Week 1:

    Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $175. The holdback covers the administrative time and Masterclass/lesson fee. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded. 

    Requests submitted within 10 days of the start of Week 1:

    Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $250. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded. 

    Requests submitted on or after the first day of Week 1:

    No refunds. 

     

    OSA Mailing Address:

    Oakville Suzuki Association
    P.O. Box 69599
    338 Lakeshore Rd East
    Oakville, ON
    L6J 1J6

    Please contact us by email at: info@oakvillesuzuki.org if you have any questions about fees.