James Madison University School of Music

JMU Summer Band Camp 2008

WELCOME to the 2008 JMU Summer Band Camps!  We are pleased to announce our 2008 camp from Sunday, July 6 through Thursday, July 10.  This year’s camp will feature a component for all students: Concert Band Camp, Marching Band Camp, Drum Major Camp, Drum Line Camp, and Color Guard/Weapon Camp. 

The JMU experience is unique because it offers 5 camps at the same time.  While at JMU, each participant will have an opportunity to:

  • Work with nationally-recognized clinicians, JMU School of Music faculty, and Marching Royal Dukes band staff
  • Take advantage of all JMU campus features: Music and Athletic facilities, residence halls, JMU dining facilities (nationally-ranked), JMU Recreation Center, Student Union, and the JMU Bookstore
  • Receive training in teaching and leadership
  • Enjoy evening recreation and activities
  • Meet with JMU Admissions staff to answer questions about the college application process (optional).

Please select from the following links for more detailed information about the JMU Summer Band Camps:

APPLICATION, FEES, AND DEADLINES

Applications are due to the JMU Summer Band Camps office by June 15, 2008.

ONLINE APPLICATION - To download and print an application, click here.

The cost for the 2008 JMU Summer Band Camps is $325.00. This includes all meals and housing (double occupancy), instruction and recreation activities, and a camp T-shirt, water bottle, and lanyard. A $100 deposit is due with the application, and the balance is due by July 1, 2008.

PAYMENTS are to be made by money order or check – payable to “JMU Summer Band Camp.”  Credit Card payment is not yet available. 

CAMP DESCRIPTIONS

Concert Band Camp is designed for students who wish to gain experience in the concert ensemble setting.  Participants will have an opportunity to work on new and traditional concert band literature, prepare a concert for the conclusion of camp, and work with the JMU School of Music faculty in sectionals and master classes. 

Marching Band Camp is designed for aspiring student leaders who wish to gain experience on the marching field.  This curriculum is designed to prepare young leaders for teaching music and marching through the process of learning an entire marching show including music, drill, body moves and choreography, marching fundamentals and teaching techniques. This is a perfect venue for your aspiring section leaders and drill instructors. 

Drum Major Camp is designed for current drum majors or individuals interesting in developing their leadership skills both on and off the podium.  This curriculum is designed to develop each student’s abilities in conducting, calling commands, saluting, marching technique, as well as score study and teaching music and marching.

Drum Line Camp is sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation.  The Yamaha Sounds of Summer Camp is designed to provide battery percussionists with expert training from qualified Yamaha clinicians and will expose these musicians to technical exercises, warm up routines and performance charts that will challenge each individual and develop each ensemble during the course of the week.

Color Guard Camp is designed for students of all abilities.  This camp will be divided into sections according to ability in order to provide the most concise and individualized training possible.  Each section will work on basic technique and choreography both with and without equipment, and will produce a routine to be performed at the camp’s final performance.  In addition to color guard, there will be a weapon component for individuals who are interested in rifle and/or saber. 

In addition to the general camp curriculum, the JMU Summer Band Camp experience will feature extra activities such as evening concerts, master classes and clinics with JMU School of Music faculty and JMU Bands staff members, use of the JMU campus and recreation facilities, leadership components and training for all camps, special presentations by JMU Admissions and School of Music representatives to talk about the process of applying to college and auditioning for music programs, as well as a final performance for family and friends that will feature ALL camp groups at the conclusion of camp on Thursday, July 10. 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2008

Concerts and Evening Activities will offer an array of possibilities for participants, from dances and karaoke, to guest artists, activities, movies, and games. 

Use of state-of-the-art Music and Athletic Facilities: School of Music rehearsal rooms and practice rooms, Bridgeforth Stadium, Athletic fields, University Recreation Center

College Admissions Meeting with JMU Admissions staff (optional)

Leadership components for every camp are designed not just for current or aspiring student leaders, but also for all musicians and all ages!

Concert Band participants will work with JMU Director of Bands, Dr. Steve Bolstad, and have an opportunity for master classes with JMU School of Music faculty members.

Drum Majors and Marching Band participants will receive special training in teaching marching and music, in addition to their basic instruction

Drum Line participants will be participating in the Yamaha Sounds of Summer camp, featuring Yamaha clinician Giff Howarth. 

Color Guard participants will have an option to select a special weapons camp, featuring rifle and saber. 

Color Guard and Drum Line participants will have an opportunity to audition for a spot to perform with the Marching Band Camp in their field show performance.

BASIC SCHEDULE 

Click here for a PDF of the basic camp schedule for Sunday.

Click here for a PDF of the basic camp schedule for Monday - Thursday.

All participants will receive a final schedule, specific to the camp in which they are participating.  Schedules will be distributed at registration on Sunday, July 6.

Each full day of camp will follow this basic schedule:

7-8:30AM             Breakfast – Gibbons Dining Hall

8:30AM            MORNING SESSIONS

  • Each camp will report to assigned locations
  • Rehearsals and practice

11:30AM            Lunch – Gibbons Dining Hall

1:00PM            AFTERNOON SESSIONS

  • Each camp will report to assigned locations
  • Rehearsals and practice

4:30PM            Dinner – Gibbons Dining Hall

6:00PM            EVENING SESSIONS

  • Each camp will report to assigned locations
  • Rehearsals and practice

8:30PM            EVENING/RECREATION ACTIVITIES

  • Details about each select activity will be provided each day

10:30PM            Curfew at dorms – “The Village” 

  • All participants will report back to dorms following evening activity

11:00PM            Lights Out

REGISTRATION

On Sunday, July 6 all residents will register at the JMU Bookstore (rain or shine) from
1:00 - 3:00PM.  Following registration, you will move into your assigned dorm room in “The Village” residence hall complex (see campus map for details).

PARKING for registration will be located in the Godwin parking lot (adjacent to the JMU Bookstore), the JMU Parking Deck (adjacent to Bridgeforth Stadium), or in R-1 lot (adjacent to the Baseball stadium and next to “The Village” residence halls).

RESIDENT PARKING

It is not recommended that residents park on campus. However, if parking on campus is necessary, please contact the Summer Band Camps office to make specific arrangements.  All individuals parking on campus will receive a pass to park in an adjacent campus lot, and must turn in their keys to the Summer Band Camp counseling directors at the opening session on Sunday, July 6.

DINING AND HOUSING 

All participants will be provided with meals at the JMU Dining Facilities (Gibbons Dining Hall) via a meal card (credit card-like swipe) to be issued at registration.  For more information about JMU Dining Services, please visit the Dining Services website at www.jmu.edu/dining.

All participants will be housed in one of the JMU residence halls in an area called “The Village.”   Each room is double occupancy and does NOT offer air conditioning – please plan accordingly. Applicants may request a preferred roommate (if done so before the application deadline).  Students will reside in suites, each set of 3 rooms (6 occupants) will share a bathroom facility and common room.  For more information about the JMU Residence Halls, please visit the Office of Residence Life website where a sample model and description of a basic “Village” are dorm is available.  

PLEASE NOTE:  JMU DOES NOT provide linens or bedding and the “Village” area dorms are not air-conditioned. 

WHAT TO BRING

PLEASE NOTE:  JMU does NOT provide bed linens or bath towels for camp participants. 

Participants should plan for a 5-day stay on campus (2 half-days and 3 full days).  The following items are recommended:

____  Comfortable summer clothes
____  Khaki shorts (for pictures/performance)
____  Comfortable tennis/running shoes
____  Necessary toiletries and personal hygiene items
____  Rain jacket or umbrella (in case of inclement weather)
____  Sunscreen!!
____  Hat/cap for sun deflection
____  Bed sheets
____  Bath towel(s)
____  Window or floor fan (and extension cord)
____  Alarm Clock
____  Water Bottle – although JMU Summer Band Camps will provide a souvenir SBC water bottle, it is always good to have extra!
____  Backpack to carry equipment/music/materials around campus
____  Instrument and all supplies
** JMU is not able to provide instruments or extra equipment/supplies – please plan accordingly **

FORGET SOMETHING?  If you realize this during registration, there is a Wal-Mart and other shopping centers located within 5 minutes of campus.  If a forgotten item is discovered during camp, JMU counselors will be able to assist in replacing such items (within reason). 

CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION

JMU Summer Band Camps
School of Music – MSC 7301
Harrisonburg, VA  22807
Phone:  (540) 568-6656
FAX:  (540) 568-3370
SBC Hotline (announcements and voicemail):  (540) 568-6942
Email:  jmu-summer-band-camps@jmu.edu

Directors: 
Steve Bolstad, Director of Bands – bolstasp@jmu.edu
Scott Rikkers, Assistant Director of Bands – rikkersd@jmu.edu

CONTACT DURING CAMP – in order to reach a student during camp week, you have two options:

1.)   During regular hours (9AM-5PM), you can contact the JMU Summer Band Camp headquarters (540) 568-2384 or the JMU Band Office (540) 568-6656.  You will be able to leave a message for a specific individual that will be delivered to them.

2.)   Before or after regular hours (before 8AM or after 5PM), you can contact the JMU Office of Events and Conferences at (540) 568-6330.  They will relay messages to our camp staff immediately.