The creative mind behind the Girls Rock Camp Calgary is allowing young girls an opportunity to perform and learn in a supportive arena without intimidation.
Nicola Lefevre, a health care professional by trade, developed her musical chops in Calgary’s male dominated scene. It was her own experiences that prompted her to start a rock camp exclusively for girls in 2013.
“When I was growing up, there was nothing like this,” explains Lefevre. “I always played music with boys and didn't really know a ton of girls in the music scene. I know they were out there but we never really had a chance to come together.”
Throughout the five day camp on the University of Calgary campus, the students work in small groups where they focus on different instruments and vocal performance. The class then reassembles to apply what they’ve learned.
“I don’t speak for everybody,” said Lefevre,” but I think that sometimes girls find it hard to take the lead in situations where they know that there’s a lot of men that generally do that in the hustle of music.”
Former student Jackie Klapak now volunteers as an assistant with Girls Rock Camp Calgary. Klapak says her time with Lefevre left a lasting impression.
“Without the girls rock camp, and without Nicola, I probably wouldn't be where I am today,” said Klapak. “I have my own band and I'm playing my own instrument now and a lot of that's inspired from Nicola and her encouragement.”
Klapak says, with Lefevre’s encouragement, the girls soon find themselves excelling outside of their comfort zone.
“When someone like Nicola comes around and says ‘No, you can do it!, You can follow your hear!’, if this is how you want to express yourself, then you can totally do it.”
For showing girls that they are capable of pursuing their dreams, Nicola Lefevre is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
