A Montreal-based music program is helping youth learn the fundamentals of playing together and how to overcome obstacles.
Immersion Rock in Verdun, available throughout the summer, gives kids the opportunity to rehearse and release a song, make a music video, do a professional photoshoot and put on a show.
Founder Patrick Mainville said it started in 2021 amid the pandemic; he wanted to bring something interactive and artistic for kids.
“It’s amazing because some of them kind of change their lives,” he said.
Immersion Rock offers various musical programs annually, with their summer program spanning two weeks, featuring intense workshops of learning and playing music. The program features a concert every Friday held on Wellington Street where kids perform with their band and coaches for the public.
Embracing obstacles
Mainville spoke of a former student who was anxious and crying before their planned show, only to thrive and triumph under pressure.
“I was here talking to her saying ‘no, it’s going to be fine’ and now she’s playing like there’s no tomorrow.”
Mainville said the program teaches children how to play music through programs influenced from his upbringing in the music scene, saying one of the benefits he sees and hears is how this helps kids boost their confidence.
“When I was young, it helped me, the feeling of being part of a group, being part of something, and I think it helped kids for the development, for their own self-development to be a part of something,” he said.
“You have to stick together and that feeling is incredible. And it’s a feeling that you’re going to deal with all your life.”
Seeing students evolve
Clemence Cormier-Morasse, a coordinator for Immersion Rock, says she joined earlier in the summer and has seen students flourish.
She says by putting young musicians in a band setting, there’s a lot of learning when it comes to communication, teamwork, listening, and empathy.
“I think it’s great for cognitive development in kids, just learning music, it’s a whole different language,” Cormier-Morasse said. “It’s been crazy just watching the kids evolve. Some of them start from nothing, they’ve never even touched an instrument before.”
‘It’s such a gift’
Maelle Hervreux, a student who plays guitar, has participated in every session since 2021. Hervreux says what drives everyone to come back is the connection and experience of getting to know others musically.
“I think a lot of people wish to have this before,” Hervreux said. “I think that’s one of the best things ever is that we just get this chance and this gift… It’s such a gift to be here.”
Mainville said he believes every child should try an instrument at least once, adding that once each band finishes a day at camp, they can’t wait to go back.
“The parents are telling me, ‘I don’t know what you did to my kid, but he’s changed,’” Mainville said. “‘He’s got more energy.’ We got a lot of positive reaction.”