YORKTON — With summer winding down and the school year approaching, the sound of brass, woodwinds and percussion has filled the halls of Yorkton Regional High School this week as the Saskatchewan Band Association’s Yorkton Band Camp returned with strong enrolment and a renewed sense of musical community.
Camp co-ordinator Katia Jorgason, who also directs the Yorkton Regional High School music program, said this year’s numbers reflect growing interest in band across the region.
“We have about 30 elementary kids and 15 high schoolers this year,” she said. “More and more kids are seeing that there are cool things happening in music across the province. Some are even driving in from Springside or Langenburg. It shows they’re interested and having fun.”
The Yorkton camp is one of three held each summer in Saskatchewan, alongside Regina and Saskatoon. Its timing, just before school resumes, helps students “get back into the music groove,” Jorgason said.
The week compresses months of regular classroom learning into four or five days. Students take part in master classes, theory sessions, jazz band, marching band, music games and rehearsals for the final Friday concert.
“We really just cram everything we possibly can into the week,” Jorgason said. “They learn new music, new skills, and get to try things they might not get to do during the school year.”
The camp also connects music with the broader community. On the evening of Aug. 18, Yorkton hosted Band in the Park, part of a provincewide initiative to bring musicians — from beginners to longtime community band members — together outdoors.
“There’s something special about hearing music in the park,” Jorgason said. “People came to play, others just came to listen. It’s about sharing music with the community.”
For many students, the camp is a highlight of their summer.
Ewan Hunter, who is heading into Grade 8 and has been playing tuba for two years, said this is his third time attending.
“I like the big concert at the end. It’s awesome,” he said. “The tuba commands attention: it’s big, it’s loud, and everyone has to listen to you.”
Hunter also plays piano and is learning bass guitar. “I really like music,” he said.
Grade 11 student Jacob Dobson, who plays alto and tenor saxophone, said the camp has shaped his friendships and confidence.
“My favourite part is the community,” he said. “I’ve developed such close friendships and a sense of family with everyone I’ve met through band. They inspire me to be better.”
Dobson has attended camp since 2021, when it restarted after COVID-19. He said he intentionally waited until camp to resume practising this summer.
“I didn’t want to practise incorrectly,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot in the past two days.”
His favourite piece this week is music from How to Train Your Dragon, which he described as “difficult but very enjoyable to play.”
Dobson hopes to become a chef but says music will always remain part of his life.
“I definitely want to keep music in my life and play in a community band wherever I end up. It’s so fun.”
As the week heads toward its final concert, Jorgason said camps like this help strengthen music programs year-round.
“Kids come to camp, have fun, and spread the word,” she said. “It boosts our numbers and shows younger students that what we do is really cool and really special.”
