This July 8th through 11th, Virginia will be rocking with lots of music. This will not be music from a live rock concert. This will be music from summer band camp. As musicians flock to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, James Madison University (JMU) School of Music prepares to host for the 10th year, another incredible summer band camp. You see this university has its own incredible band, the Royal Dukes Marching Band. Camp is as important to musicians as it is to athletes, artists, and other students. Being in an environment with peers that have the same passion is important to the well being and development of a young person pursuing a subject such as band. The summer band camp at JMU is the perfect place to commiserate with ones peers, work hard, and learn new techniques.
It is at James Madison University where band directors, and band students now band campers, from grades 8th to 12th, come to work hard, and play hard in the state-of-the-art facilities to creative a memorable summer of music. Summer band camp can be a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of work. Instruction for campers begins at 8:30AMm and continues until 8:00PM, with breaks for lunch and dinner. Throughout the day campers have breaks for recreation and practice, with the evening ending in organized recreational and social fun. Having visitors come on campus is not necessarily discouraged, however extracurricular activities are designed for campers only, and are supervised by staff members.
All summer band camp attendees will stay on campus in dormitories. There will be two students per room, with a counselor on duty at all times providing supervision. For convenience all campers will be issued meal cards for use in the dining facilities. For the camper’s safety, they will not be allowed to leave the campus without prior approval. There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs. Any campers in violation of regulations will be dismissed forfeiting camp tuition. All camp fees include the cost of meals, housing, recreation, and instruction. Visit the JMU summer band camp Web site for fee schedules and deadlines.
Instruction for summer band camp 2007 includes the areas of Concert Band, Marching Band, Yamaha’s “Sounds of Summer” Drum Line Camp, Drum Major Camp, Rifles, Color guard, and a special Leadership Component for Marching Band and Drum Major Camps. There will also be several Master Classes available in the areas of flute, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, tuba and percussion. If your band is one of those that is a competitive band, or a popular band in the community, this is the perfect place to be to perfect those skills to stay number one.
All students attending summer band camp are responsible for brining their own equipment, and are to arrive at camp ready to get to work. It is highly recommended that all campers, and parents visit the JMU Web site or contact camp coordinators for your child’s’ school, regarding the list of necessities needed for camp. Email communication can be sent to [email protected] or call 540-568-6942. At the end of camp parents and friends are invited to attend the final performances. For more information visit the Web site today.
