Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music students honing their craft, gaining confidence

KAMLOOPS — The halls are alive with the sound of music, as the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music, also known as KISSM, returns for another season.

“You don’t choose to keep teaching in July as a teacher unless there’s something really, really special going on, and that’s what happens here in this building,” says Christy Gauley, one of the choir department instructors.

KISSM has been running since 1978, with teams of professional instructors and university students leading the annual summer program. It is a three-week day camp for kids and teens who want to explore different instruments, vocals, musical theatre and more.

“It’s a really interesting experience to meet so many people who are interested in what you’re interested in, with music and creating,” says Jacob Marchant, who is a graduating Grade 12 student and repeat participant of KISSM. “It’s a really great experience. And yeah, we put together a production in three weeks, which is crazy.”

“I think the band is really fun. The pieces this year are really good and the musical,” adds Amie Quin, another repeat KISSM attendee who is back for her third summer. “I think they chose a good musical, which is The Addams Family.”

The sense of community among like-minded music lovers is why the camp often sees repeat participants. With some of those former students even coming back to share their knowledge.

“I attended KISSM in the early 90s when I was 10, 11 and 12 years old,” notes Gauley. “And it was the first time that I really came together with a community of musicians to make music all together.”

“I started going when I was 14 when I found out about it, and I went until I was in Grade 12. And then I came back when my daughter was three months old as an educator, and here I am now with my son as my assistant,” says Tina Hebner, who is an educator with KISSM’s Music Makers and Ukulele Departments. “It’s a good feeling.”

Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

The program staff say it’s an educator’s dream — teaching students who are already passionate about what they’re doing.

“They choose to be here and there’s a creative energy that comes with that that you just can’t beat anywhere else,” says Kirk Wassmer of the KISSM Band Department. “Yeah, they’re fantastic to work with.”

At the end of three weeks, student performances showcase what they’ve learned, but that’s not the only development that takes place.

“The confidence to try different things has been really, really good to see,” says Hebner, who notes that providing kids with the opportunity to discover their musical abilities is a highlight for her.

“There’s several people who I met at KISSM who I still regularly talk to throughout the year. And I feel like that’s really important,” says Marchant, who adds that he is considering coming back as a staff member. “That’s great, and that’s one of the biggest reasons why I come here.”

“A lot of my friends actually come from this camp,” Quin says, “and I have three best friends who I’ve known since I was seven that come here with me so that’s really nice.”

KISSM showcase performances take place July 24 and 25 from the Sagebrush Theatre, with tickets available through Kamloops Live! Box Office.