Squawk Camp!

For Oboists and Bassoonists Serious About Having Fun

🗓 Dates: July 2-7th, 2025 📍 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Join us for an unforgettable six-day experience dedicated to double reed enthusiasts!

Squawk Camp?

  • Private Lessons: One-on-one coaching from renowned oboists and bassoonists.
  • Chamber Music: Collaborate and perform in small groups.
  • Masterclasses: Learn from experts and play in a supportive environment.
  • Reed-Making Workshops: Improve your reed-making skills.
  • Mass Double Reed Band: Experience the power of playing in a large double reed ensemble.
  • Double Reed Marketplace: Explore and buy the best double reed supplies.
Register Here!

Meet Our Faculty

Erin Brophey

Erin Brophey is currently the Principal Oboe of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. Previously, Erin held the position of section oboe and English horn with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for eight seasons. Erin is also an active freelance musician and has performed with many Canadian orchestras, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Charlottetown Festival Orchestra and the Elora Festival Orchestra. In 2000, Erin received her Honours Bachelor of Music from Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied with James Mason. She completed her Master of Music degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the tutelage of Cynthia Koledo de Almeida in 2002. As a chamber musician, Erin has performed in many summer festivals nation-wide including Festival of the Sound, West Ben Festival, Elora Festival, Stratford Music Festival, Tafelmusik Summer Baroque Institute, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, L’Orchestre de la Francophonie and the National Academy Orchestra. Recently, Erin performed at the Ritornello Festival with the Gryphon Trio. Erin Brophey is a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan and is the Woodwind Coach for the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra. In Saskatoon, Erin co-directs a community double-reed band called Squawk, is active in new music programming and also teaches a private oboe studio. In addition, Erin is on faculty at the Inter-Provincial Music Camp in Parry Sound, Ontario. Erin is the Director of a unique online oboe education program called the Oboe Path.

Kathleen Mclean

Kathleen McLean is one of the most acclaimed orchestral bassoonists in North America. Internationally recognized, McLean was the associate principal bassoon of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1992 to 2009 and is a sought-after chamber and orchestral musician, recitalist, and teacher. She was appointed to the faculty of the University of Toronto in 1989, became a faculty member at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Glenn Gould Professional School in 2002, and began as a bassoon instructor with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 2009. McLean's former orchestral appointments include principal bassoon of the Canadian Opera Company and guest principal bassoon with the London Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Since 2001, she has toured extensively with the prestigious World Orchestra for Peace. She performs frequently with New Music Concerts, Amici Ensemble, and is a founding member of the Caliban Quartet, Toronto Wind Quintet, and the Canadian Winds.

Stephanie Unverricht

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Stephanie Unverricht moved back in 2011 to join the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra as Principal Bassoonist. She began her studies on the bassoon with Peter Gravlin in Saskatoon and then continued at the University of Ottawa for her Bachelor of Music with Christopher Millard. She completed her Master of Music degree in Bassoon Performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston, studying with Richard Svoboda. Stephanie performs around the city in various chamber groups, including Prairie Virtuosi and her trio “Chicks with Sticks”, and is also a multi-instrumental member of a semi-experimental alternative folk music band, Minor Matter. Stephanie maintains a private studio in Saskatoon and a few surrounding rural communities, including Humboldt and Middle Lake.

Adam Shapiro

A seasoned performer on modern as well as baroque oboe, he has performed with the Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and New Jersey Symphony orchestras, as well as with the American Bach Soloists. Adam is also a member of the Seattle 5th Avenue and Village Theater pit orchestras. Adam earned his DMA in Performance Practice from Rutgers University. As a teacher, Adam has been a lecturer at the University of Washington,  and Cambridge University, and maintains an active private studio. Adam also teaches the art of reed making at Cambridge Makers UK and conducts frequent master classes and artist residencies (University of Utah, University of Northern Colorado, University of Illinois, University of Kansas, University of Missouri KC, University of Nevada LV, and is the woodwinds coach of The Band of the Household Cavalry – UK). He studied with Ray Still, Grover Schlitz, Ronald Roseman and Stephen Hammer.

What You'll Gain:

  • Personalized lessons from each faculty member.
  • Opportunities to play in chamber music groups and masterclasses.
  • Participate in two intensive reed-making workshops.
  • Perform and rehearse in a mass double reed band.
  • Make new connections with musicians from around the world.
  • Exponentially improve your playing skills.
  • Enjoy a community of musicians dedicated to excellence and fun.
  • Perform in a final concert.

Who Should Attend?

  • University students
  • Adult amateurs
  • Oboe/bassoon educators
  • Oboe/bassoon professionals
  • Serious high school students

Testimonials

"Meeting other double reed players is really fun. Community is really important to me. Chamber music with others is really good for my playing. I’m there to have fun and help others have fun, too."

- Tyrell

"Squawk is a fantastic opportunity to meet other double reed players in an ensemble that is welcoming and encouraging. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and low stress way to connect with the double reed community"

- Carl

Squawk is such a fun and memorable experience! It’s a fantastic place to learn, challenge ourselves, and grow alongside other double-reeders who share the same passion for improving their skills. Musicians at every level are warmly welcomed and supported by the wonderful creators of Squawk!Rehearsing and learning new pieces is always rewarding, and I can hardly wait for the next Squawk!

- Colleen Ostoforoff (Bassoon)

Growing up as a double reed player in a small town in the prairies, Squawk was always an exciting event to look forward to! Erin and Stephanie do a great job of making Squawk accessible to everyone. The best part about Squawk is the community aspect: different generations of oboists and bassoonists learning alongside one another and from one another. It’s always so much fun.

- Jon Tait (Bassoon)

Register Now!

  • Early Bird Registration: $490 (by January 31st)
  • Regular Registration: $550 (after January 31st)

Travel, food, and accommodation are not included. Special room rates are available at Park Town Inn for participants.

Ready to Join?

Spots are limited, so register today to secure your place at the inaugural Squawk Camp and be part of a unique and enriching experience!

Register Now!

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