On the evening of arrival, July 19, there will be an optional barbecue from 6-7, (pre-register with Sorrento Centre, pre-pay), class meeting and organized jams to follow:

8:00  Meet with your 9:00 a.m. Seminar Group

9:00  Structured Jams (wrapping up by 10:30)

Slow Pitch Swing Jam Caritas Downstairs

Standards for Vocalists Spes Bona Lounge

Ukulele Jam Richardson Downstairs

For new campers, please attend Getting the most out of Swing Camp

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Helpful to have on hand:

 

• Portable music stand

• A portable chair—for outdoor classes, overflow at Kekuli for evening events, practice under the trees, etc. (This will be a BIG help as chairs create extra work for us!)

• iPad, tablet, laptop—to access handouts, band lab tunes

• Earplugs — if you need to sleep, remember that others might value jamming more than sleep.

• Masks — if you get sick, wear one. If it gets smokey, wear one. Good idea to bring some.

• Warm clothing — it can get very cool at night in Sorrento. 

• Warm bedding if you are sleeping outside. Blow-up mattresses need an insulating layer.

• Spit rags — horn players, do not use Sorrento Centre towels for your instruments

• Swimsuits — the lake is a great way to clear your head and take a real break

• Extra strings, picks, etc.— don't waste time running to Salmon Arm for what you forgot

• Appropriate footwear — for dancing, wet weather, hot weather

• Rain Gear—you never know in the mountains what might blow in

• Portable Fans and Air Filters—for heat and the possibility of smoke if you are sensitive

 

The lounge in Richardson (down) will be the home base for announcements, sign-up sheets, etc., overseen by our Copy Queen, Polly Wilson. Also in this area will be a “boutique” set up with donations from all of you! If you have clothing or accessories that you wish to donate, bring them to Polly. All proceeds go to start a scholarship fund for future campers. Also, there is a sidewalk sale on Thursday so if you have something to sell and wish to set up a table, that can be arranged.

 

REMEMBER to label all of your possessions. There is a lost-and-found area in the Copy Room.

 

Answers to some commonly asked questions

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Is there a message board I need to check?

There is a Notice Board outside Spes Bona on the bell tower where you will find daily updates, including locations of different events scheduled throughout the day. This may also be used for messages to and from other campers.

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What’s my commitment to the morning “core” class I choose?

Your core class is intended to provide you the opportunity for a “deep dive” with one of our excellent instructors. It is a five-day class, not a ‘drop in’ class. After orientation on the first day, you will have an opportunity to change your original selection. Attend on Monday morning. If you find that it is wrong for you, you can ask another instructor if there is room for you to move to a different morning class (you will have to catch up on your own).

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If I signed up for Swing Piano, do I bring my own keyboard?

Yes, the students are expected to provide their own keyboards. When you meet with your instructor on the first evening, you will have a chance to get it all set up in your classroom space. 

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How do I enroll in workshops?

Every day there will be different workshops offered in the 2:00 pm time slot. No sign up; just go and participate. The locations will be posted in the daily newsletter and on the information board outside Spes Bona.

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What is Band Lab and what should I expect?

Band Lab is held each afternoon from 4:00-6:00 pm. Musicians are divided into small combos. You can choose from two songs each day and your combo will practice one of those for about 45 minutes to perform for the room. If you choose not to participate, it is still fun to come to the performances each day from 5:00-6:00 (approximately!).

Also, please note that if you are not interested in band lab, other session options at that time are How to Work through a Chart, Band Lab Choir, and Swing Dance: East Coast Swing.

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Are there opportunities to perform at the big band dances?

Yes! Students play in the Horn/Woodwinds section, the Shuswap Strings section, the Wall of Wood (guitars, ukuleles), and as singers. The band performs 25 tunes selected by the campers who wish to sing a song. Each song must be reviewed and approved by our Chart Queen, Julie Sakahara, (Monday afternoon for the Monday night dance, Thursday afternoon for the Friday night dance.) Sign ups for the dances will be posted on the copy room window on Monday and Thursday mornings.

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A note about charts: there is a fantastic store of ALREADY VETTED charts from past dances contained in a folder in the copy room. Chances are that the song you choose already has a chart already approved and it may even be in your key. You can speed up the process of chart review by using one of these charts (although you still must pass it by Julie).

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What is Vocal Master Class and how do I participate?

Each day in the 2:00 time slot, two of our excellent vocal instructors will conduct master classes. This is limited to eight singers each day. A sign-up sheet will be posted on Monday morning. Bring a chart of your song. One of the instructors will play, or you can accompany yourself. You will sing through your piece, the instructors will give feedback and make suggestions, you will sing your piece again. It is a very supportive environment, with much to be learned, whether you are singing, or observing.

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Is there a student concert I can participate in?

The student concert on Thursday night is a highlight of the week. There will be 45 performances. If more than 45 sign up, the performers will be selected by lottery. You may appear once as the headliner and once as support for someone else. Practice to make sure your act goes no more than 5 minutes, including an introduction. The time will be strictly enforced!!

We encourage campers to combine efforts with other campers. Some may wish to have an instructor as accompanist, but we are hoping to give those hard-working folks the night off. If you don’t know which campers to ask, instructors can advise. For example, if you want a bass player, ask Rene or Jake, teachers of the bass class, to connect you with one of the students in that class.

There’s a “coffee house” on Friday evening; if you missed out on the student concert or want a more intimate performance space, sign up for the coffee house.

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How can I get involved in jamming with others?

We have planned for two evenings of “organized” jams, led by instructors. Informal jamming can be found around the site and usually you are invited to join in. If you haven’t experienced jamming, please consider attending The Art of the Jam Session workshop taught by Mike Rud on Monday afternoon.

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When is camp officially over?

Friday night’s dance is the final formal event of the camp. Plan to have departed Sorrento Centre by Noon on Saturday, July 25th. Accommodations (particularly lodge rooms) need to be vacated by 10:00 am.

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Will I receive everyone’s contact information after camp?

No. Privacy laws prevent the society from giving out that information. We urge you to share what you wish with other campers on your own.

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What if there is forest fire nearby and the area becomes smokey?

We have spent considerable time working on risk management, including how to provide for fire conditions. We have a plan to move events to indoor spaces. We also have evacuation plans at the ready. Camp will go forward so long as we are not ordered to leave.

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Who is the staff person I go to with questions or issues?

Kathy Francis is Camp Manager

Phil McIntyre-Paul is Assistant to Kathy

Please direct inquiries to one of them. If you cannot locate one of them, leave a message with Polly in Admin (the copy room lounge in Richardson).

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What Sorrento Centre policies do I need to be aware of?

Designated Smoking Areas: Behind the lower washhouse, Behind the changerooms at the beach, Under the "Fifi" willow tree located at the end of Richardson Lodge.

Cannabis Rules: Non-medical cannabis consumption (including smoking, vaping, and edibles) is not permitted anywhere on Sorrento Centre land or in its buildings, in accordance with both federal and provincial regulations.

Scent free:
The Sorrento Centre is a scent-free facility, so guests are asked to refrain from wearing scented products to avoid allergic reactions or respiratory distress among other visitors.