Middle School Band Camp FAQs
What should I bring to Middle 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, music instrument stand, 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 and 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 as well ($30 per half hour lesson).
How old must I be to attend the Middle School Band Camp? Students who will be enrolled in grades 6 through 8 in the upcoming Fall.
What about health care? Participants will be taken to nearby WellNow or Brooks Memorial Hospital 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, 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, Festival students will perform a chamber music concert.
Can I Play in the Jazz Ensemble? You can elect to be involved in a jazz session each day. We will work as a group on understanding jazz style and improvisation through group playing exercises and listening, and will prepare for a performance during the final camp concert. 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. Percussionists will be able to use university equipment (but bring your own sticks).