Band Camp Information
This page has a lot of very important information regarding Band Camp, which will take place July 19-August 1. Please read everything carefully.
Band Camp Schedule
Please find a copy of the Band Camp Schedule here. Please make sure you are ON TIME to every rehearsal, and plan ahead for travel time.
Rookie Camp
This year, we are adding a brief, two-day rookie camp, where members who have never marched before have the opportunity to get some more individualized instruction before camp actually starts. All new members are REQUIRED to attend this Rookie Camp. Rookie Camp will be held on Monday, July 17 & Tuesday, July 18 from 1-3pm.
Registration
Prior to camp starting on July 19, we will have two days of registration that all students participating in the Marching Band must attend. This is the time that we will collect required forms and fees (see more info on this below), fit students for uniforms, distribute instruments to those that need them, and answer any questions you may have. Registration for returning members (students who have marched in the marching band during the 2022-2023 season) will take place on Monday, July 17 from 10am-12pm. Registration for new members (students who are brand new to the marching band at the high school) will take place on Tuesday, July 18 from 10am-12pm. Parents are not required to attend; however, if you have any questions or concerns about camp or band in general, this would be an excellent time to find me and ask.
Required Forms and Fees
ALL students participating in the Marching Band, whether you are a woodwind/brass player, percussionist, or visual, MUST submit the following forms at registration in order to participate during camp: Handbook Agreement Form, Medical Release Form, Travel Authorization Form, and Student Parent Information Sheet. All of these forms can be found at the end of the Band Handbook. It is the responsibility of all students and parents to read through the handbook and become familiar with the policies stated within it. If you have questions about any rule, expectation, or policy, please feel free to email me or ask me at registration.
In addition to the required forms, ALL woodwind/brass players and percussionists are required to pay a $100 Marching Band Fee at registration (cash or checks ONLY; checks can be made out to Hillcrest High School). If you will be unable to do so, please let us know when you will be able to make this payment. All other Band Fees will be paid once the school year begins (see information in the Band Handbook regarding fees). A payment schedule can be found at the end of the Band Handbook and should be followed if at all possible.
Flip Folder and Lyre
We use specialized folders to hold our music called flip folders and things called lyres to attach them to our instruments. We will use these during camp while we are learning our music, and also in the stands during football games. We recommend that you purchase these from Cole Band in Northport. If you are unsure of what to purchase, we will have these items for purchase at registration. Please try to have them by the first day of camp! Below is a price breakdown of what we will be selling at registration:
Flute: Flip Folder/Lyre $16
Clarinet: Flip Folder $6; Lyre $10
Saxophone: Flip Folder $6; Lyre $10
Trumpet: Flip Folder/Lyre $16
Trombone: Flip Folder/Lyre $16
Baritone: Flip Folder/Lyre $16
Sousaphone: Flip Folder $6; Lyre $10
Extra Pages: $0.50 each
Required Items for Camp
There are certain items that you will be expected to bring to camp every day, and other items that it is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED that you bring to help you get through camp:
LARGE water jug (recommended size ½ gallon or 1 gallon) – Band Camp is hard work, and you can expect to sweat A LOT! You absolutely need to make sure you have a water jug so that you can stay hydrated during the day. Gatorade or Powerade are great supplements, but water is even more important to keep you feeling good and energized. We will provide ice and water at the beginning of every rehearsal, so make sure you have a jug to fill up!
Tennis Shoes/Sneakers – You can expect to be on your feet and moving around during camp, so a good, sturdy pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and creased is essential. ABSOLUTELY NO open toed shoes, sandals, crocs, or slides. Even in music rehearsals, you can expect to be on your feet and moving. Not being in proper rehearsal attire constitutes a demerit, so make sure you bring the right shoes!
Flip folder & lyre (for woodwind/brass players only) – Please see information above.
Sunscreen – As I’ve stated before, Marching Band is an outdoor activity. We will have shade setup for during our breaks; however, most of our time will be spent in the sun. In order to avoid getting burnt and not feeling great, we highly encourage you to reapply sunscreen multiple times during the day.
Hat, sunglasses, towel, extra clothes, etc.
Backpack/bag – Since we will be moving from the practice field to indoors throughout the day, it is recommended that you have a bag of some kind to carry your stuff in. Again, it might be a good idea to use something old that you don’t mind getting dirty as opposed to something brand new.
INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT – This is sort of a no-brainer, but I feel the need to add it just in case… You MUST have your instrument or any equipment (batons, flags, etc.) that you need EVERY DAY! This includes anything you need to either perform your activity or play your instrument. Again, not having the proper rehearsal equipment will constitute demerits, so plan accordingly!
Music
Please go to the Marching Band Ensemble page of this website to download your parts for all halftime show music. We highly encourage all students to print out and look at your music BEFORE camp begins; however, we will have extra copies at registration if needed. If a song has multiple parts for an instrument (for example, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, etc.) print the part that you feel you would be most comfortable playing. We will assign your final part placement during camp and provide you with the correct music.
If you have questions or concerns about any of the information on this page, please let me know. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!