Non-profit organization Ottawa Rock Camp For Girls saw the live results of its first gig-planning workshop in the form of a benefit concert at Pressed café on Oct. 15.
The local camp — also known by the acronym ORC4G — was founded in 2007 and aims to provide music-based programming to girls aged 13-17 to foster empowerment. Campers have access to instruments and to a network of musical women to give them mentorship and guidance.
This year’s session takes place from Nov. 4-6 at Capital Rehearsal Studios, during which campers spend time learning an instrument, join a band, and showcasing their achievements at a live performance at the Bronson Centre.
The new workshops for alumni campers were spearheaded by professional musician Mandie Norton, a volunteer teacher at the camp, who worked closely with former camper Willa MacLean to organize the event.
“I’m really excited and really relieved that everything came together, because there was a time where I had no venue, no bands, no interest and I was super-nervous about being able to pull it off,” said MacLean, 18.
“It kind of amazes me that it did work out. There was a lot of bumps in the road and, in the end to see it perfectly played out, this is good.”
MacLean’s interest in the camp was sparked by her 14 years learning classical violin. After her first camp experience, she started taking bass lessons and has now played that instrument for two years.
“This is definitely something I want to keep doing for a long time,” she said. “It’s just a really nice feeling to be able to give back.”
Norton says he came up with the idea of the workshops to give campers the tools to have them plan a show of their own and fundraise for the camp after noticing some of the girls reaching out on Facebook for guidance on how to book a show.
“It kind of made me realize — even though we provide all the fundamental stuff for the girls though the rock camp, the accessibility, the instruments and what not — the business-y side of stuff doesn’t always come naturally for some people,” she said.
The concert featured local bands Radiogenic, Sleepy and the Noise, and GOAT —all of which performed to raise money for the upcoming camp.
The camp follows a pay-what-you-can model ensuring no camper is turned away for financial reasons. The camp tuition is $200, but donations may cover the fee if need is demonstrated.
Karen Harrison, the lead vocalist of Radiogenic, said her band was excited to be part of the event.
“There are so many social and personal benefits that young girls gain through the Ottawa Rock Camp For Girls. It can help to boost their confidence, meet new friends and come together for a shared love of music,” she said.
“A lot of the songs we write are about empowering yourself and never giving up, which very much speak to the values of the program. Plus, girls rule!”
The camp is fully run on donations. Previous fundraising efforts for the camp have included everything from setting up tables at Ravenswing Arts & Music Fair to participating in a Chinatown street fair selling T-shirts.
“The big thing is making sure it’s accessible for people in the community because music is not cheap,” said Norton. “It’s hard to get your hands on instruments sometimes.”
Norton, who plays bass in the band Big Moan, said her favourite part of the workshops is getting to talk about the business side of the industry.
“I drive my band bonkers sitting there analyzing and fretting what the right bands to bring together for shows and stuff is,” she said.
“You get to know people who own venues,” she said. “And being able to share that networking with the girls ensures that you’re showing them the community that you know and that you have access to, and being able to pass off your contacts to them to ensure that they’re embraced by the same community.”