NEWS RELEASE
GGRC+
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GGRC+ (formerly known as Guelph Girls Rock Camp) is a unique March Break camp for students in grades 4-8 who self-identify as female, trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming and/or two-spirit: with support from local Guelph musicians, campers form a band, learn their favourite instrument and play their very first rock show.
The camp will take place at the Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) from March 10-14 over the March Break vacation. Camp ends with an electrifying show where campers introduce their bands and play their very own songs. This show is open to friends, family and the general public by donation and will be held on the evening of Friday March 14 at GYMC.
Over the five-day camp, campers choose an instrument and form a band with four or five of their peers. Each band is allocated an experienced band coach to help them find their group identity, the coolest name and their unique sound. During the week, campers will attend regular instrument lessons as well as workshops on everything a young musician needs to know – from rhythm and performance to button making and writing zines.
GGRC+ provides a safe, inclusive, and expressive space to explore music, build confidence, and challenge gender norms - supporting a generation of Guelph musicians who will shape the future of music and beyond. The camp is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who are deeply embedded in the local music scene. With support from local businesses and community groups, the team is building a supportive community where campers learn from experienced musicians, collaborate with their peers, and experience the thrill of playing in a band for the first time.
Campers can register here.
The greatest fans in the world – Guelphites! GGRC+ is funded partially by camper fees and partially by generous donations. These donations support the running costs of the camp and ensure the team can offer a sliding scale for campers, making the experience as inclusive as possible. GGRC+ is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, March 1st in Guelph at Artbar, with local heavy rockers Bonnie Trash and the new and hard-hitting Boy Banned. All ticket and beverage sales go towards funding this year’s March Break camp. This event will also be the album release show for Bonnie Trash’s new LP, “Mourning You” out Feb. 28 on Hand Drawn Dracula. $5 from each vinyl sale will go towards GGRC+’s March Break Camp. The camp is supported by Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, with generous in-kind and financial from local organizations such as Long & McQuade Guelph, The AJ Collective, and the Guelph Youth Music Centre. Community members can also donate at Canada Helps to support the camp and empower even more young people to rock! Getting the band (back) together – and everyone’s invited GGRC+ began as Guelph Girls Rock Camp in 2015, with the first camp taking place in 2016. This year the camp has officially changed its name to GGRC+. This name change was made in consultation with our campers and community in order to make our camp more inclusive. GGRC+ is open to students in grades 4-8 (ages 8-14) who self-identify as female, trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming and/or two-spirit. GGRC+ believes that running a camp like this for youth in Guelph will impact the next generation of Guelph’s creative community in a way that addresses the gender disparity in our thriving, but predominantly male, rock music scene.
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