37 Years
Nick Rail Summer Band Camp has provided students a space to study music over the summer since 1989.
$175 Registration Fee
We fundraise to keep our camps affordable and to offer scholarships to low-income students who otherwise could not afford to attend.
2245 + Campers
Over the years, many aspiring student musicians have participated in the program, with some even going on to become professional musicians.
Nick Rail Summer Band Camp 2026
Summer Camp Dates: June 15 – July 1
No Camp: June 19
Concert: July 1
Tuition: $175 Full and $50 Scholarship
Location: Performing Arts Wing at Santa Barbara Junior High School
721 East Cota Street, SB 93101
phone: 805-284-9125
For scholarships, please read below and fill out a paper registration form.
For high school students interested in volunteering, we give volunteers community service hours. Please email Katie Szopa at ka***@*******************on.org if you are interested.
Nick Rail Summer Band Camp is led by Stephen Hughes and staffed by a host of professional musicians and educators.
Campers are grouped by ability and taught by to play solo and as a group.
Instruments include: trumpet, low brass (trombone/tuba), saxophone, flute, clarinet, percussion.
*Please note this camp does not include guitar or piano.
Students need their own instrument for this camp.
Please let us know if your student does not have access to one, and we can assist you.
Summer Camp Dates and Levels
This three-week long camp takes place June 15-July 1 . There is no camp on June 19th it will be observed as a holiday. There will be a concert on the evening of July 1st for family and friends. We encourage all musicians to be present for the concert.
Last year we have added a fourth level, so times are different than in past years. Also, campers can sign up for two levels with different instruments. Please read closely and email Katie Szopa with any questions.
Level 1
8:30 – 10:30 pm
A wonderful place to start! If you’ve never played a band instrument, or need a refresher on note reading, this is the place for you!
First hour is spent in sectionals with an instrument specialist and the second hour is spent in concert band.
Level 2
10:30 – 12:30 pm
Students at this level can comfortably read and play notes for their chosen instrument (perhaps after writing in note names). Also, advanced students might start a second instrument at this level.
First hour is spent in sectionals with an instrument specialist and the second hour is spent in concert band.
Level 3
8:30 – 10:30 am
Aimed at Junior High School students, members of this ensemble can play in multiple keys, and are ready to try jazz and other full band pieces.
First hour is spent in concert band and the second hour is spent in sectionals with an instrument specialist.
Level 4
10:30 – 12:30 pm
Aimed at High School students, members of this ensemble are ready to play difficult jazz arrangements and complex band pieces.
First hour is spent in concert band and the second hour is spent in sectionals with an instrument specialist.
Scholarship Information
If you qualify for a scholarship, the cost is $50 per student for each camp. REQUEST CAMP SCHOLARSHIP HERE. Please print and fill out this registration form and submit with a short letter via email ka***@*******************on.org stating your reason for requesting a scholarship with this application. You can also mail in the letter or drop by the office. Katie Szopa will contact you after she has received your paperwork for payment.
Refund Policy
Refunds for withdrawals will only be issued before June 8, 2026. The $50 non-refundable registration fee will be retained to cover the processing costs of withdraws. No refunds will be provided after the first day of the camp.
En Espanol
Por favor, seleccione la traducción al español del sitio web en la esquina superior derecha donde dice: “traducción al español”.
Beca: Si calificas para una beca, el costo es de $50 por estudiante para cada campamento.
Imprima y complete este formulario de registro y envíelo con una breve carta por correo electrónico ka***@*******************on.org indicando el motivo para solicitar una beca con esta solicitud.
También puede enviar la carta por correo o pasar por la oficina. Katie Szopa se comunicará con usted después de haber recibido su documentación para el pago.
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