The Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s Summer Music Camps wrapped up another memorable season, bringing together young musicians from across Santa Barbara to learn, grow, and perform together.
From beginning percussionists to advanced instrumentalists, students spent their summer building skills, confidence, and friendships through three unique camp experiences: the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp, Summer String Camp, and Summer Drumline Camp.
On stage at the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp Final Concert. (Photo: Paul Mori)
At the center of the summer was the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp, now in its 37th year and continuing its tradition as one of Santa Barbara’s longest-running summer arts programs. Directed by La Colina Junior High School Instrumental Music Director Stephen Hughes and an outstanding team of specialists, the camp welcomed 80 students across four ensemble levels, making it the program’s largest year to date.
Band Camp also welcomed a special guest educator this summer, Eric Heidner, Director of Bands and Music Instructor at Santa Barbara City College, who shared his expertise and encouragement with campers.
The season concluded with a packed final concert at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, where students performed for the largest audience in camp history. More than 280 in attendance helped fill the theater to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.
Meanwhile, the Summer String Camp provided violin, viola, cello, and bass students the opportunity to strengthen their technique, perform in ensembles, and explore solo repertoire under the direction of Susannah Hoffman and Elizabeth Callahan.
String Camp (Photo: Paul Mori)
Students enjoyed a memorable visit from internationally acclaimed cellist and Music Academy of the West’s guest artist Zlatomir Fung, who joined campers to perform and share his musical journey.
Meanwhile, the Summer Drumline Camp, led by Charlie Ortega, brought energy, rhythm, and teamwork as students explored marching percussion, hand percussion, and melodic instruments while building ensemble skills and confidence as performers.
What makes these camps especially meaningful is that they are led by Santa Barbara Unified music educators who dedicate part of their summer to continuing their work with students beyond the regular school year. Camp registration fees help support music education opportunities across Santa Barbara Unified schools during the school year, creating a cycle in which summer learning strengthens year-round music programs for students.
Drumline Camp (Photo: Paul Mori)
Just as importantly, the camps remain accessible to students of all backgrounds thanks to the generosity of community supporters and scholarship donors. This summer, more than 40 students, over one-third of all campers enrolled, received financial assistance. Scholarships reduce the already affordable tuition costs to just $50 per student, ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to participation in music education over the summer.
SBEF is deeply grateful to the teachers, volunteers, guest artists, families, and generous supporters who make these programs possible. Special thanks to our donors, including
Mosher Foundation, Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, Santa Barbara Unified School District, Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, Nick Rail Music and Laura Penrose, Daniel and Mandy Hochman, Haydee Perez, and the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, a field of interest fund for the Santa Barbara Foundation, for helping ensure every student has access to high-quality music education.
