GGRC+ nurtures the next generation of fearless, creative musicians who self-identify as female, trans, and gender nonconforming. We provide a safe, inclusive, and expressive space to explore music, build confidence, and challenge gender norms – supporting a generation of Guelph musicians who will shape the future of music and beyond.
GGRC+ is is open to students in grades 4-8 who self-identify as female, trans, and gender nonconforming.
Campers will:
- Choose an instrument and form a band with four or five of their peers
- Learn from an experienced band coach, to help them find their group identity, the coolest name and their unique sound
- Attend regular instrument lessons
- Take part in workshops on everything a young musician needs to know – from rhythm and performance to button making and writing zines
- Hear from local artists during lunchtime performances
2025’s camp takes place over March Break (March 10-14) at Guelph Youth Music Centre.
In partnership with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, we are building a supportive community where campers learn from experienced musicians, collaborate with their peers, and experience the thrill of playing in a band for the first time.
GGRC+ will impact the next generation of Guelph’s creative community in a way that addresses the gender disparity in our thriving, but predominantly male, rock music scene.
GGRC+ is self-funded without the use of outside granting bodies.
GGRC+ was established by Steph Yates and Alanna Gurr and is co-operated alongside Emmalia Bortolon-Vettor, Sara Bortolon-Vettor, and Emma Howarth-Withers.
OUR TEAM
Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor
Band Coach and Administrator
Sarafina is a Guelph based musician and artist. She is a songwriter, singer, and drummer in the darkened shoegaze/post-punk drone band, Bonnie Trash with her twin sister, Emmalia. Bonnie Trash has performed at many music festivals across Canada. She enjoys directing and producing music videos and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership where she focussed on how creativity empowers women.
Alanna Gurr
Co-founder, Administrator, Fundraising
Alanna grew up in Guelph and has been playing music since she was a kid. She plays guitar and sings in Alanna Gurr & The Greatest State, Brave Moon, Milk & Honey and a variety of other bands over the years.
Emmalia Bortolon-Vettor
Coordinator, Administrator, Guitar Instructor
Emma has been studying guitar for close to twenty years, working as a tutor and private music teacher with an emphasis on creativity rather than mastery.
Emmalia is a multi-disciplinary researcher and musician. They compose and play guitar for Bonnie Trash alongside their sister, Sarafina.
Emma is currently obtaining a Masters degree in Critical Studies in Improvisation.
Liv Cazzola
Band Coach
Liv is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, educator, and earth advocate from Guelph, Ontario. Whether it be performing and recording with her bands Tragedy Ann or The Lifers, teaching private music lessons, or sitting on the Music Declares Emergency Board of Directors, bringing out the best in others brings out the best in Liv. Through these musical projects Liv has been privileged to tour across Canada and internationally. Her song “Thomas’ Lullaby” garnered her a Folk Music Ontario Songs from the Heart award in the Children’s Category. Her band The Lifers were Canadian Folk Music Award nominees in the Emerging Artist category, 2018. Liv’s vocal, organ, saw, ukulele and synth arrangements were featured in the two-time Canadian Folk Music Award-nominated album Salt (Moonfruits), 2024.
Marcela Echeverri
Bass Teacher
Marcela is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in music, installation art, anthropology, and improvisation. She completed her latest degree in the new graduate program of Critical Studies in Improvisation at University of Guelph. Marcela currently plays bass with Guelph based salsa band Son de la Guayra and is involved in free music improvisation projects.
Lexi Rose Pham
Vocal Teacher, Administrator, and Fundraising
Lexi is a Guelph-based artist born and raised in Toronto. She is a Rock Metal Vocalist that goes by the stage name RoseAu (RoseGold). She is currently a solo artist who does collabs with other local musicians and dancer for Guelph based dance troupe The Kween Company.
Maeve Konyer
Admin and Communications, Counsellor
Maeve directly experienced the value of Guelph Girls Rock Camp as a camper in 2017, and has returned annually to volunteer in different capacities. Since working as a cook at Atmosphere Cafe, Maeve has instated weekly live music events; leading them to operate within the Guelph music scene to organize and advertise these shows. Maeve is happiest when they are in the community supporting the arts scene; whether that be volunteering with local music festivals or catering events.
Emma Howarth-Withers
Coordinator & Band Coach
Carly Hunt
Design and Social Media Coordinator
Carly, a Guelph-based creative, passionately captures moments through captivating photography. Her unique perspective has earned recognition, featuring works at renowned venues like the Drake Hotel and The Berlin Feminist Film Week.
Jenny Early
Website Coordinator
Jenny is an expert in all things marketing communications. She is passionate about helping small organizations and charities tell compelling stories, reach key audiences and make a real, tangible impact.