Summer Band Camp

Mini Band Camp

Mini-Camp is usually scheduled during the third week of June.

From the Marching Band Handbook:

Please notify Mr. Stevens in advance for scheduled conflicts with June Mini Camp rehearsals at mstevens@ms.k12.il.us Since parade and field show music as well as marching basics are taught during these rehearsals, it is important that students miss as few rehearsals as possible.

Band Camp

Band Camp takes place Monday-Friday, 8:00am-12pm and 5:00-8:30pm, plus Saturday morning, during one full week in late July/early August. (It is usually the week that includes August 1, but the specific dates are spelled out in the Marching Band Handbook sent home with students in late winter/early spring.)

Drumline and Color Guard members attend an additional full week of camp (M-F, times TBA but usually 8:00am-12:00pm) the week before full band camp.

Attendance at Band Camp is absolutely required for participation in Marching Band.

Band camp is hot and long. Students should be prepared with the following:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water (most students bring small (2 quart) coolers of ice water)
  • Sturdy athletic shoes
  • Pen (for chart notes)
  • Chart Book (handed out at band camp and the student’s responsibility thereafter)

Band Camp Snacks*

Usually, the Music Booster parents provide simple, healthy snacks during each morning and evening session of band camp. Email requests for volunteers to serve and to provide this food will go out in July a couple of weeks before camp. *In the 2020 marching season, snacks will not be provided.

Band Camp Meal and Parent Preview*

During the Friday evening session, parents (and any other fans!) may come and watch to see all the students have learned during band camp. Following this unofficial performance, the students are served a simple dinner. Email requests for volunteers to bring food items will go out in July a couple of weeks before camp. *We look forward to returning to these activities in a future marching band season. They will not happen for the 2020 marching season.

Picture Day*

Picture Day is the Saturday morning of band camp week. Photos will be used for Photo buttons and other band promotional items.

Parents are welcome (and even encouraged) to come and take their own photos of their students and the band. Please be respectful of the photographers assigned to take the actual promotional photos. 

*We look forward to returning to these activities in a future marching band season. They will not happen for the 2020 marching season.