May 2026

Summer is approaching!

We’re celebrating ten years of Band Camp!

The weather is getting warmer and the best way to celebrate is with music! At Bandology, we have been busy planning all of our summer activities for this season with the new summer staff (including me!). Our first activity was Music in the Park at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park with a session of bucket drumming, where the new staff got the opportunity to learn how to bucket drum! If you missed us, don’t worry – we will be back in June.

If you’re also planning your activities for the summer, don’t forget to register for Band Camp this year! It will be our tenth year running (making my first Band Camp extra special) and it’s all because of your support.

Wherever we may see you this summer – Band Camp, a community event or workshop – our instruments are out and ready to be played together. To keep up with what we’re up to these days, take a peek at our Instagram and Tiktok feeds. 

Introducing our Summer Staff!

Meet our summer staff for 2026! Thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program and the Oakville Trillium Foundation, Bandology is proud to have a talented group of staff members for our busy summer season.

(From left to right)

Julianna Rutledge (she/they) is our Innovation Manager and Head of Operations. Julianna has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, with a major in English and minor in History. 

Lauren Bastian (she/her) is our Community Outreach Coordinator. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Guelph with a Marketing minor.

Grace Ronan (she/her) is our Education Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Music in Opera from the University of Toronto and will begin her Bachelor of Education at York University in the fall.

Katie Lacourciere (she/her) is our Program Coordinator. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Music degree at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Ryan MacKinnon (he/him) is our Community Programs Manager. He has a Bachelor of Music in Self-Directed Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Lisa Michaels (she/her) is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Bandology. 

Karen Guan (she/her)  is our Program Administrator. She is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University. 

Sandy Wright (he/him) is our Education Manager and Head of Programming. He holds Master of Arts degrees in Community Music and Composition.

Nicole Reid (she/her) is our Program Inclusion Support Worker. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University and is currently completing a Master's degree in Psychotherapy from Yorkville University. 

Danya Asad (she/her) is our Marketing Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and Communication Studies from McGill University.

Brady Piggins (he/him) is our Social Media Coordinator. He is a Bachelor of Commerce student in Marketing Management at the University of Guelph, with a minor in Sports and Event Management. 

Not pictured: Sara Thoeny (all pronouns) who is our Camp and Workshop Coordinator. Sara holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University .

It’s the 10th Anniversary of Band Camp!

Summer is almost here and that means it is almost time for Band Camp! This year will be our tenth year, and we are hard at work to make sure that this summer of camp is the best one yet!

We hope to see you this year!

Learn more and register now at bandology.ca/band-camps.

Band Camp Kitchener-Waterloo: July 6-10

Band Camp Halton: July 20-24

Band Camp Guelph: July 27-31

Band Camp Halton: August 10-14

Band Camp is for kids in grades 7-12

Band Camp Junior is for kids in grades 1-6

And don’t forget that we have subsidies of up to 90% available to ensure every child can attend camp. For families facing financial challenges, please don't hesitate to reach out to camp@bandology.ca.

Upcoming Summer Events

One of our favourite parts of warmer weather is getting outside for events throughout the community. Here are some of our upcoming events, but we’re always planning more so stay updated through our Instagram.

Music in the Park: Town of Oakville 

When: Saturday, June 6, from 2pm to 4pm

Where: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville

Join us at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park in Oakville for a free bucket drumming workshop! Drop by and learn the basics of percussion while enjoying the scenic waterfront views.

Learn more: bandology.ca/community-events.

LAMApalooza 

When: Saturday, June 6, from 10am to 3pm

Where: Laurier Academy of Music and Arts, 190 Lester Street, Waterloo

Join us from 12pm to 3pm for a lively community open house filled with live music, student performances and plenty of family fun! Enjoy fresh crêpes, take part in a sticker hunt and other activities for kids, tour the school and meet the amazing teachers along the way. 

Learn more: facebook.com/lamapalooza.

Guelph Pride in the Park

When: Sunday, June 7, from 10am to 3pm

Where: Exhibition Park, 81 London Road West Guelph

Celebrate, connect and thrive at Pride in the Park — a community event honoring love, identity and support for our vibrant 2LGBTQIA+ family! Kick off the day with a 10am parade full of joy and color, followed by a powerful opening workshop with Sound of the Drum, grounding us in rhythm, resilience and unity. Explore a park full of resources and activities! 

Learn more: outontheshelf.com/guelph-pride-in-the-park.

Glenorchy Community Festival

When: Saturday, June 13, from 11:30am to 5pm

Where: Isaac Park, 3086 Isaac Avenue, Oakville 

Join us from 12pm to 3pm! The Festival is organized by community volunteers and offers many different activities and treats to attract people of all ages; from the young to the young-at-heart. 

Learn more: facebook.com/glenorchyoakville. 

Bike It To Market, Georgetown Market

When: Saturday, June 20, from 9am to 12pm

Where: Main Street South, Georgetown

Ride your bike from anywhere to the Georgetown Farmers’ Market and leave your bike in the free, secure bike parking while you enjoy a pancake breakfast courtesy of the Georgetown Rotary Club and McDonalds Restaurant. Breakfast is free to all who arrive by bike. Stay for children’s activities or wander through the Market to find great produce and one-of-a-kind products!

Learn more: haltonhills.ca/cycling-programs.

Music in the Community

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra - HPO at the LIVElab

When: Wednesday, June 3 at 7pm

Where: LIVELab, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton

In this concert-experiment, researchers from McMaster’s LIVELab will be investigating how to optimize Bluetooth-based audio streaming for participants with digital hearing aids. This is an intimate chamber concert featuring a unique array of vocal and instrumental music, spanning a wide range of time periods and genres

Learn more: hpo.org/concerts-events/current-season.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - María Dueñas Plays Korngold

When: Thursday, June 4 to Saturday, June 6, various times

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Thrills abound in this cinematically inspired program, with Herrmann’s Psycho Suite setting the stage for María Dueñas’s electrifying performance of Korngold’s Violin Concerto—infused with the lush, film-score atmosphere of 1930s Hollywood. A new commission by former NextGen composer Bekah Simms offers an ethereal, colourful, and hypnotic work of unconventional beauty, while Mendelssohn’s vibrant Italian Symphony brings the performance to a joyful conclusion—che bellissimo!

Learn more: tso.ca/concerts-and-events/calendar.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony

When: Saturday, June 6, at 11am

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Mendelssohn’s sparkling “Italian” Symphony takes listeners on a journey through the picturesque landscapes and lively streets of Italy. Under the baton of Gustavo Gimeno, this Relaxed Masterworks program also features the World Première of a vibrant new work by Bekah Simms, and the first movement of Korngold's Violin Concerto, performed by rising star María Dueñas.

Learn more: tso.ca/concerts-and-events/calendar.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Beethoven’s Ninth

When: Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, various times

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Freude! Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings the season to its close with Beethoven’s triumphant Ninth Symphony. Joined by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and a stellar cast of soloists, this finale delivers the ultimate “Ode to Joy,” bringing us all together in jubilant celebration.

Learn more: tso.ca/concerts-and-events/calendar.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Ode to Joy! Sing with the Symphony

When: Friday, June 12, various times

Where: Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas Street East, Toronto

A city singing together.​​ The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s ​Symphony No. 9​ ​at Roy Thomson Hall​ ​​alongside​ the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir​​—while thousands gather in Sankofa Square to experience it together.​​​

Learn more: tso.ca/concerts-and-events/calendar.

Burlington Symphony Orchestra - A Night at the Ball

When: Saturday, June 13 at 6:30pm

Where: Burlington Polish Hall, 2316 Fairview Street, Burlington

The Burlington Symphony Orchestra invites you to experience a formal celebration of music, dining, and dance in a grand ballroom setting. Enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner followed by live orchestral selections that set the stage for an unforgettable night on the dance floor. Professional instructors from Standard Dance Studio will guide guests through classic ballroom styles including the waltz and tango, making the experience welcoming for both seasoned dancers and first time participants. No prior dance experience is necessary. This is an evening designed to bring people together through music, movement, and shared celebration.

Learn more: burlingtonsymphony.ca/whats-on.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Spotlight on Broadway: Jeremy Jordan

When: Wednesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 18, various times

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Broadway’s leading man, Grammy and Tony award nominee Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, The Last Five Years, The Great Gatsby), joins Steven Reineke and your TSO for a thrilling Pops Series closer. From hilarious patter songs to soaring ballads, Jeremy’s vocals shine in this performance filled with favourite show-stopping hits.

Learn more: tso.ca/concerts-and-events/calendar.

Cambridge Symphony Orchestra - Cambridge Celebration of the Arts

When: Saturday, June 20 at 5pm

Where: Central Presbyterian Church, 7 Queen’s Square, Cambridge

The Cambridge Celebration of the Arts takes place each year on Father's Day weekend. This year the celebration is expanding to a two-day festival! For more than 20 years, the event has showcased local artists and their visual, literary, and performing arts talent.

Learn more: cambridgeorchestra.ca/summerseries2026.

Niagara Symphony Orchestra - A John Williams Finale


When: Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm, Sunday, June 21 at 2:30pm

Where: Partridge Hall 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines

Step into a world of cinematic magic as the music of John Williams takes centre stage, brought to life by a full symphony orchestra! From the pulse-pounding adventure of Star Wars to the heartwarming triumph of E.T., Williams’ iconic scores have defined generations of film lovers. Join us for an exhilarating concert as we journey through the unforgettable melodies of Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and more. The symphony will transport you to epic worlds of adventure, wonder and emotion, capturing the grandeur and excitement of these timeless films. We are excited to announce that Music Director Bradley Thachuk will feature on these concerts as a special guest soloist.

Learn more: niagarasymphony.com/concerts.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra - ELDEN RING Symphonic Adventure

When: Friday, June 26 at 6:30pm

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Presented by Roy Thomson Hall, the ELDEN RING Symphonic Adventure features montages from the multi-award-winning video game accompanied by the sensational sounds of your Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Released in 2022, following on from the acclaimed DARK SOULS series, ELDEN RING was directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki with worldbuilding provided by George R. R. Martin, and a ground-breaking score by Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Tai Tomisawa, Yuka Kitamura, and Yoshimi Kudo. It quickly became a video game phenomenon, selling over 20 million copies to date and winning Game of the Year at the 2022 Game Awards.

Learn more: tso.ca/concerts-and-events/calendar.

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