Unfortuntely due to low registration numbers, the Calvin Music Exploration Camp is Cancelled. Join us again next summer of 2026, for a week of music making!
Music Classes
Ukulele
Our ukulele classes will be led by Laura Wheeler and Julia Ziegler. Throughout the week campers will have a chance to play ukulele every day with Laura and Julia. They will spend the week learning how to hold and tune the ukulele and start learning how to play. Campers will have the chance to showcase the skills they have learned on the ukulele in the End-Of-Week Concert.
Choir
Joe Porter will be teaching our choir sessions and is excited to be part of the camp. Campers will work with Joe in the choir daily and have the opportunity to learn how to participate in a choir. Campers will learn standing positions and different parts as they work on a couple songs. The songs learned during the week will be sung at the End-Of-Week Concert.
Hand Chimes
Emily Wright will be leading our hand chimes groups. Campers will have a chance to play the hand chimes daily with the goal of playing for the End-Of-Week Concert. In the hand chime session campers will learn how to hold the chimes and how to make a sound with them. Campers will each have 2 chimes to ring and together as a group they will have enough chimes to play a song. At the end of the week, they will have learned two songs that will be part of the End-Of-Week Concert.
Percussion
Trevor Cuff will be leading our percussion group. The percussion sessions will include hand percussion with drums, shakers and sticks as well as Orff instruments. Each day the campers will have a chance to be hands on with different percussion instruments and learn how to hold them and make sounds with each different instrument. By the end of the week the campers will have learned a song on the Orff instruments and learned a song with the drums, sticks or shakers. They will be able to show all the skills they have learned in the End-Of-Week Concert.
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Calvin Music Academy presents their Music Exploration Camp. Music Explorations is a Christian faith-based music camp open to children ages 8 – 12. Campers will experience a week filled with hands-on music making. No prior experience required – just an excitement to learn and try new ways of making music! The Music Exploration camp will be taking place in the first week of July from July 7 – 11. Campers will have a full day of activities starting at 9:00am and going until 4:00pm at Calvin Presbyterian Church. Every day, campers will start with a morning devotional and then rotate through four music groups: choir, ukulele, hand chimes, and percussion. In each group they will be learning from active musicians within the community. Campers will spend the week learning and developing skills in each music group and will have a chance to show those skills in the End-Of-Week concert that will take place on Friday. All the instruments are provided so no instruments are required for campers to attend. Throughout the day campers will have plenty of breaks between music classes, giving them a chance to run around and play games, have a snack, socialize with other campers or have some down time with coloring or crafts. Lunch is not provided for the campers so they will have to bring a lunch each day along with a water bottle and comfortable clothing so they can participate in the daily activities. Family and friends are welcome to attend the End-Of-Week Concert and experience all the new musical skills the campers have learned over the week. Spots are limited – Sign up today and let the music begin!
Dates & Time: July 7 – 11, 2025 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Deadline: June 26, 2025 |
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Meet the Teachers:
Emily Wright
Emily is currently pursuing her musical education through Douglas College. Emily has been teaching for many years and is a private and group music teacher for Clarinet, Saxophone and Upright Bass. Emily is also the director for the Calvin Music Academy Handbell Choir.
With plans to become a music teacher after her studies, Emily is dedicated to nurturing musical growth. She strives to create a supportive and collaborative environment where musicians of all levels feel empowered to learn, grow, and create meaningful music together.
Laura Wheeler
Laura has spent her life singing, playing and creating music! Laura completed her diploma in Jazz Studies from Capilano University and has now based her teaching studio exclusively out of Stepping Stone Music Company in Abbotsford.
Laura loves to foster a love of all styles of music in her students and provide support through their musical journey. Fun fact, Laura’s first instrument was the handbells!
Julia Ziegler
Julia has been teaching music lessons since 2011 at various studios throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and is now calling Stepping Stone Music Company her home. Julia studied Music Ministry at Hillsong College in Australia and PLBC in Surrey. She has worked as a worship director at various churches, led choirs and taught workshops for many years.
What Julia finds most exciting about teaching music is to see the light come on when someone discovers true joy in singing or playing or performing. Fun fact, Julia’s first instrument was the accordion!
Joe Porter
Joe is currently enrolled in full time studies and Douglas College for Music Education. When not studying at Douglas College he is teaching or performing. Joe teaches musical theater and works as a stage manager at the Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts in Coquitlam. Joe is a member of the Tides Choir at the Coastal Sound Music Academy.
Trevor Cuff
Trevor is working towards becoming a music teacher. Trevor has finished his Music Diploma at Douglas College and is heading off to Vancouver Community College to complete his Bachelor of Applied Music. Trevor has several years of music experience that all started with guitar. Since starting with guitar Trevor has gained experience in multiple different instruments including piano, percussion and various brass instruments.
When teaching Trevor prefers to work with hands-on learning instead of lecture-based learning. He finds if is more effective to try and experience things firsthand instead of listening to someone talk about it and finds this especially true in music.
Schedule
This is the schedule that we will be following on regular days. Some adjustments will be made to accommodate a welcome to all the campers on day one and the End-Of-Week Concert.
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Time |
Duration |
Activity |
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8:45 – 9:00 am |
15 min |
Drop Off and Sign-In |
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9:00 – 9:20 am |
20 min |
Morning Devotional |
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9:20 – 10:05 am |
45 min |
Instrument One |
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10:05 – 10:25 am |
20 min |
Break One |
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10:25 – 11:25 am |
60 min |
Group Activities |
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11:25 – 11:40 am |
15 min |
Break Two |
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11:40 – 12:25 pm |
45 min |
Instrument Two |
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12:25 – 1:10 pm |
45 min |
Lunch |
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1:10 – 2:10 pm |
60 min |
Outdoor Activity |
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2:10 – 2:55 pm |
45 min |
Instrument Three |
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2:55 – 3:15 pm |
20 min |
Break Three |
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3:15 – 4:00 pm |
45 min |
Instrument Four |
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4:00 – 4:15 pm |
15 min |
Pick Up and Sign-Out |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the camp take place?
July 7 – 11, 2025
Do we need any prior music experience?
No! All that is needed is a willingness to learn.
What should we bring?
A reusable water bottle, packed lunch, comfortable clothing suitable for movement, sunscreen or hat for any outdoor activities and any necessary medications with clear instructions.
Will lunch be provided?
No. Campers will be required to bring their own lunch every day.
Do we need to bring our own instruments?
No. Instruments will be provided.
Will we be able to see what our campers have been working on?
Yes! There will be an End-Of-Week Concert on Friday that parents and family friends are encouraged to attend.
How can we register?
We have a digital form that you can fill out. Click here to register.
Do you have extended hours?
We currently do not offer extended hours, but we are exploring this option and will keep families updated.
Our mission
Calvin Music Academy is a non-profit organization which seeks to provide affordable music instruction through group lessons as well as opportunities for individuals to participate in community music ensembles
Calvin Presbyterian Church
33911 Hazelwood Ave,
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 7V2