Sound Lab Gives Lander Youth Summer Music Opportunities and Band Formation Support

In Lander, youth in grades 6-12 lack access to summer music opportunities, with school band and private lessons as their only options during the academic year and nothing available once school ends. When a local musician and teacher wanted to expand youth access to music, she had an idea: create space for young musicians to jam, discover what they like and who they enjoy playing with, and get help organizing bands. Many students want to form bands but can’t organize on their own, and there’s no opportunity to connect with like-minded musicians across the county. The Sound Lab will bring together youth musicians of all kinds—including vocalists—for a one-week summer program where county music teachers lead workshops and help refine skills while students break out into jam bands and jazz combos. At $150 for the week, it costs half as much as the nearest band camp in Powell, with no travel or lodging expenses, and vouchers will ensure cost isn’t a barrier for up to 15 students. The pilot week will establish an annual opportunity with plans to expand into the school year and longer summer sessions. LOR’s funding helped purchase t-shirts, name tags, music, full-ride vouchers, and instructor stipends, with the first goal being at least three combos performing the Saturday after Sound Lab.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Lander Community Foundation.