Band Camp is an essential part of preparing for our fall marching season. Over the course of these three weeks, students will learn the music, drill, and fundamentals that form the foundation of our competition show. Attendance is critical to the success of the entire band and is therefore MANDATORY.
Band Camp is hard work — but it’s also where friendships are built, traditions are passed down, and the season truly begins!
Band Camp FAQ
Band Camp 2025 is the last three weeks of July.
Week 1* (7/14 – 7/18): 9am – 4pm
Week 2 (7/20 – 7/24): 9am – 9pm
Week 3 (7/26 – 8/1): 9am – 9pm
*Color Guard has a slightly different schedule for Week 1.
Monday (7/14), Tuesday (7/15), and Thursday (7/17): 1pm – 8pm
The rest of camp (including Wed. and Friday of Week 1) follows the main Band Camp schedule.
Band Camp is held in the parking lot across 2nd street near Daniel Boone Elementary. Unless noted otherwise, drop-off and pickup is at the Band Practice Lot. You can loop through the Daniel Boone Elem. parking lot.
Band camp is awesome… but it’s also hot, busy, and takes some work! The better prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have.
Here’s how to show up ready:
🎺 Dust off your instrument — play a little each day so your chops aren’t in shock on day one.
💦 Start drinking water now — staying hydrated before camp makes a big difference.
👟 Break in your shoes — trust us, your feet will thank you.
☀️ Spend some time outside — your body will adjust to the heat better if it’s not a total surprise.
🚶 Take some walks — even short walks help build endurance for those long rehearsal blocks.
🍳 Eat a good breakfast — protein, not just Pop-Tarts! You’ll need energy to get through the day.
😴 Get some sleep — camp is way easier when you’re not running on empty.
Band camp is where the season begins — the music, the drill, the memories, and the inside jokes. Show up ready, and you’ll love every minute of it!
Band Camp will be very hot! It’s important to dress and prepare accordingly. Suggested items to pack:
- Insulated Water Jug (half-gallon or gallon)
- Sunscreen
- Cooling Towel (ex. Frog Tog)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (listed twice; its that important!)
- Instrument with plenty of reeds and supplies
- Nutritious snacks
- Deodorant
- Comfortable athletic shoes with support
- A positive attitude
Free lunch is provided by the school, but you’re welcome to pack something from home, if you prefer. Lunch is from 12-1 each day in the school cafeteria. Parents can also bring food at this time*. Weekly dinner and lunch menus will be posted each prior weekend.
*If you have a new student who is especially nervous, you can bring food and enjoy lunch with them! Knowing they’ll see a familiar face halfway through the day can help settle nerves. But don’t expect it after the first day; they’ll have made tons of new friends! They’ll still want you to bring McDonalds, but don’t be surprised if they shoo you away!
A half-gallon or full-gallon insulated jug is your best friend at camp. A tiny water bottle won’t cut it — you’ll be outside, moving, and sweating.
We will have refill stations at each break. Stay ahead of dehydration!
No worries — that’s exactly what band camp is for! We’ll teach you everything step by step. Lots of new students feel that way at first, but remember, 1/4 of the band have never marched before. You’re not alone!
We adjust! If it’s dangerously hot or stormy, we move rehearsals indoors or modify the schedule. Your safety comes first.
It’s definitely work, but we go at a pace to help everyone learn. It gets easier every day, and by the end, you’ll be surprised how far you’ve come — and how much fun you’ve had.
Comfortable, supportive athletic shoes — think running shoes or sneakers. No sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs. Your feet will thank you.
Tell a staff member right away. We have first aid supplies on hand, and we’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Your presence is vital, not just for the practice and experience you gain, but to your bandmates. Your absence means a empty spot in drill formations, affecting others’ ability to gauge spacing. This is why attendance is mandatory!
Please note – any request for an exception must be submitted online via the Absence Request Form and approved by the directors one week in advance of the conflicting date.
Excused Absences
Death in the immediate family ● Serious personal illness/injury (doctor’s note required) ● Other issues handled on an individual basis via online requests
Unexcused Absences
Dentist/doctor/orthodontist/hair/nail/chiropractor/etc appointments (these must be scheduled around band dates) ● Homework ● Concert/sporting event or any other recreational event ● Birthday ● Work● Senior pictures ● Trips/Vacations (these must be scheduled around band dates) ● No ride (let someone know…arrangements can be made)
Unexcused absence at rehearsal
1st offense – loss of privilege to perform in next competition
2nd offense – dismissal from the program
Unexcused absence at performance
1st offense – dismissal from the program