Play • March • Spin • Learn • Grow • Lead

2024 CAMP WILL BE HELD JUNE 25-29, 2024

If you're looking for a way to stay involved with music or the marching arts this summer, or if you're in search of a comprehensive summer camp experience that will enhance your individual skills as well as your leadership abilities then look no further than the JMU Summer Band Camps, held each year on the beautiful James Madison University campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Enrollment is only open to rising ninth graders through rising college first years.

The Experience

During the JMU Summer Band Camps, participants will have an opportunity to work with nationally-recognized clinicians, JMU School of Music faculty, and the JMU Marching Royal Dukes band staff.  All five camps also provide training in peer-teaching and leadership components designed not just for current or aspiring student leaders, but also for all musicians at all levels.  After participating in the JMU Summer Band Camps, students will return with a variety of skills to pursue student leadership positions and offer additional contributions to their own high school band programs.  

In addition to working with our outstanding staff, participants will have use of many of state-of-the-art Music and Athletic Facilities.  Marching Band/Front Ensemble and Drumline participants will rehearse in Bridgeforth Stadium, while Drum Major and Colorguard participants will have use of a variety of other athletic fields and indoor/outdoor space on campus.

Choose your Camp

The JMU Summer Band Camps experience is unique because we offer four different camps, which all take place simultaneously. Each participant should choose one of the following camps:  

Audition Information

*All students who sign up for Drumline camp ARE accepted into the Drumline Camp. Students who are interested in being the official Drumline for the Marching Band Camp (“Varsity Drumline”), should still sign up for Drumline Camp, but will need to submit a video audition prior to camp. Selected individuals will be selected to rehearse and perform as part of the Drumline for the Marching Band Camp. Additional audition information will be made available in the Drumline Camp Description.

** Placement auditions for Colorguard will take place on the day of Camp. Placement will be based on technique and choreography skills. Please email Carly Philp at carly.philp@gmail.com if you have any questions. Additional Information now available on our Camp Descriptions page.

Cost

The 2024 camp cost will be $425 for all Early Bird Registrants paying at least the $100 deposit prior to 11:59pm on April 15th. The regular camp cost of $475 per camper will be in effect from April 16th through our final registration deadline of June 1st. To complete registration, the minimum payment of a $100 deposit must be included. Any remaining balances of camp cost is due by 11:59pm on June 23rd, 2024. Please note: the $100 deposit is non-refundable.

The camp cost covers all related expenses including: tuition, housing, food, recreation activities, a camp t-shirt, lanyard, drawstring bag, and water bottle.  

 

Registration

NOW LIVE: Click HERE

WHAT TO BRING

As you prepare for camp, please consider the following list to help with your planning and packing:

  • Pillow

  • Blankets

  • Single Bed Linens*

  • Bath Towel/Washcloth

  • Toiletries

  • Shower Shoes

  • Window/Floor Fan**

  • Extension cord(s)

  • Alarm Clock

  • Lightweight Clothing

  • Athletic Shoes

  • Rain Coat/Poncho

  • Hat (for outdoor rehearsals)

  • Sunglasses

  • Snacks

  • Cash (for concessions)

  • Backpack

  • Notebook & Pencils

Heat & Hydration - participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen and a large personal water bottle/jug.

* All twin mattresses are extra-long (81-inches).  If you do not own or wish to provide extra-long sheets, consider bringing 2 flat sheets instead.
** While all residence halls are air-conditioned, participants are still encouraged to bring fans to help air circulation.

DRESS CODE

Please plan to dress appropriately during the week.  Shirts, shorts, and shoes must be worn at all times (except in your own dorm room or corridor.) Tennis/running shoes (no sandals), light athletic clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat/visor, and rain apparel (jacket/umbrella) are recommended. 

FINAL PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

Marching Band, Drumline, and Drum Major Camp - Black Athletic Shorts and Camp T-Shirt (T-Shirt is provided)

Guard Camp - Black Leggings (Preferred) or Black Shorts and Camp T-Shirt (T-Shirt is provided)

Concert Band Camp - Khaki Shorts and Camp T-Shirt (T-Shirt is provided) 

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

Each participant is expected to provide all necessary equipment including:

  • Musical Instrument(s)

  • Accessories (reeds, valve oil, mallets, sticks, etc.)

  • Flags

  • Rifles/Sabres (Only required for participants in Weapon camp)

CAMP SPECIFIC INFORMATION

  • MARCHING BAND: In addition to providing your own instrument, it is recommended that you bring a 3-ring binder or notebook to use for taking notes and collecting resources during the week.

  • DRUM MAJORS: You will not need to bring an instrument. However, it is recommended that you bring a 3-ring binder or notebook to use for taking notes and collecting resources. In addition, you should consider bringing your marching band’s show music (score/recordings) if you have been provided with this. There may be opportunities for you to work with the SBC and prepare for your upcoming band camp and season.

  • DRUMLINE: Students who audition for and are accepted into the Varsity Drumline will be provided JMU drumline equipment for use during camp. All other Drumline Camp participants must provide their own instrument, harness and stand.

  • GUARD/WEAPON: JMU will provide flag sets for the performances, however, it is recommended that you bring your own practice flag. All participants in the weapon camp are required to bring your own rifle and sabre.

If you need to get ahold of our camp administrators during camp the best way will be to email: summerbandcamps@jmu.edu. This email is being monitor by several camp administrators and will be the quickest way to get a response.

You may also call our office line at 540-568-6656, but please note that this number is not monitored during all hours. If you don’t get ahold of someone on the phone, please leave a voicemail, your voicemail will be forwarded to our camp administrators’ email.