Instructors Dan and Gabe teach a group of students in their Studio Recording class

Instructors Dan and Gabe teach a group of students in their Studio Recording class

After months of work and planning, anticipation and excitement were at an all time high at Bethany Church as the first day of band camp finally arrived. At 5:45 PM when the first two students, Cliff Ward and Chloe Piedmont, stepped through the doors, everyone seemed to breathe a small sigh of relief. However, it could only be a small sigh since the arrival of the group totaling thirteen students meant that the real work had begun.

The evening’s events kicked off with a welcoming speech from the camp’s director, Rev. Sherrie McKay. From there, the students moved to their first session of classes, ranging from Studio Recording to Improvisation. During their breaks, students were allowed to have jam sessions in the sanctuary. Understandably, many students were shy at first, with only a few venturing to show their skills, but by the second break, that shyness was cast away, and everyone took part in creating a truly welcoming and creative atmosphere. It was a sight to behold seeing every instrument in the room being used, with the staff by the students’ sides providing mentorship when needed. That being said, it’s safe to say that it’s going to be a great week at Bethany Band Camp.