Music By The Lake 2018 is once again being touted as a resounding success! This year, 363 elementary students and 93 secondary students attended this 8-day residential music camp located at Camp Wahanowin on Lake Couchiching. Operated by the TDSB Music Department in conjunction with Camp Wahanowin, equity of opportunity is a guiding principle in running Music By the Lake (MBTL).

“The camp was fabulous!” declared one of 62 students who received financial assistance through the Music By The Lake Bursary Fund.

The MBTL camp experience began with elementary student campers being assigned to various ensembles, including orchestras, bands, choirs, steel pan ensemble, guitar ensemble, and new this year, stage band. Students also received group master classes from professional music instructors throughout the 8-day camp experience. The music faculty at MBTL provided comprehensive musical training to students based on their many years of experience as professional musicians and educators.

A unique aspect of MBTL is the opportunity for high school students to support the elementary campers as mentors in the role of staff assistants. This year, 93 staff assistants offered their support as mentors to campers, both in their musical ensembles and as cabin leaders. MBTL is also a rich, professional development experience for future teachers and this year, ten Conductor’s Apprentices, university music students studying to become music teachers, worked alongside the ensemble conductors and had many opportunities to instruct students and lead the ensembles.

The elementary students at Wahanowin rehearsed for four hours a day and attended evening concerts that featured both professional and student performances. In addition, MBTL engaged students in many outdoor activities beyond musical learning.

“I’ve learned how to paddle-board, canoe, kayak, and make really cool bracelets,” said one twelve year old student.

The staff at Camp Wahanowin ensured our students had many wonderful camp experiences and the TDSB Music Department thanks the various sponsors that provided bursary support by contributing to the Music By The Lake Bursary Fund. A special thanks to Camp Wahanowin and TD Insurance for their donations.

“My camp experience has been very fun and educating. I learned new ways to play my instrument, made new friends, created memories, and developed many new skills,” said one of this year’s students.

Music By The Lake has provided music enrichment to thousands of TDSB elementary students over many years and this year’s camp continued that tradition.

“Music By The Lake was a camp that felt like home to me,” said another camper.

All faculty, staff assistants, and campers readily agreed!