High School Band Camp FAQs
What should I bring to High School Band Camp?
[NOTE: be sure to consult the full list of items to bring on the registration confirmation mailed upon receipt of your deposit.] Alarm clock, rain gear, solos or etudes for practice, and spending money. Don't forget your instrument (have it checked over by a good repair person before you come), plenty of extra reeds, valve oil, sticks and mallets, etc. Bring a padlock so you can use one of the lockers in Mason Hall to store your instrument and avoid carrying it back and forth to the dorms.
What do we wear for concerts?
For the chamber ensemble recital and final concert: black pants/skirt with nice white top (no sneakers).
How much spending money should I bring?
This will vary from student to student. The college bookstore is open daily for toiletries, snacks, and Fredonia t-shirts and sweatshirts. There are snack machines in the dorms. The camp discourages students from bringing large amounts of money, and recommends somewhere in the neighborhood of $20-30 for the week. If you plan to arrange a private lesson, you may wish to bring cash for that ($30 per half hour).
How old must I be to attend the High School Band Camp?
Students who will be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in the upcoming Fall.
What about health care?
Participants will be taken to nearby WellNow or Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk if the need arises. Please bring your health insurance card, and supply a copy with your registration.
What about housing?
Students will be housed in a campus residence hall, with resident counselors. Each double occupancy dorm room contains two standard size twin beds, two dressers, two desks, a large mirror and closet. Bed linens, pillows and towels are provided. The residence hall has a recreation room, and vending machines for snacks. Please indicate on the Application Form if you wish to share your room with a specific roommate, as last minute requests cannot be honored.
What Concerts Will I Hear?
Fredonia School of Music faculty soloists and ensembles, guest artists, and professional musicians will be featured in nightly concerts. On Thursday night, the best Festival students will perform a student solo recital. On Friday night, the Festival students will perform a chamber music concert.
Can I Play in the Jazz Ensemble?
The jazz ensemble rehearses daily and performs on the final concert on Saturday. Students who, in addition to their regular band instrument, play electric bass, keyboard, or guitar are encouraged to bring these instruments (except piano, we provide those) to camp and participate in the jazz ensemble. Percussionists will be able to use university equipment (but bring your own sticks).
What is Chamber Music, and will I enjoy it?
Chamber music consists of smaller ensembles such as trios, quartets, quintets, and percussion ensembles. These groups perform music with one on a part, and usually without a conductor. Students who elect to be in chamber ensembles will rehearse daily with coaching from the camp faculty. These groups will perform on the student chamber concert on Friday evening.