Traditional And Non-Traditional Band Camps

Almost everyone knows the line, "This one time, at band camp." American Pie’s version of band camp and the band ‘geeks’ portrayed in their movies make us all laugh, but it doesn’t really reflect those students that go to band camps.

Most band camps are geared toward marching bands and last for two or three weeks during the summer before football practice begins. Depending on the size of the band, the school may provide the band camp themselves or they may send the students to a regional band camp.

They will practice their instruments, learn new songs, and new marching patterns. Ask any marching band member and they will tell you that this is not an easy thing to do. Imagine playing an instrument, keeping time in your head, and trying to march in rhythm all at the same time. The day will typically begin with group warm-ups and marching sessions. Then the band will divide up into groups based on their section – winds, percussion, brass – to practice. The days are long and practices are usually held outside. It is hot and it is hard work. It takes a lot of strength, stamina, and dedication.

The kids that go to band camp are not all geeks. They are regular kids, cool kids, goth kids, and unpopular kids. They may go in belonging to different groups or clicks, but they all come out band members. They share a common interest in music, and that love of music brings them together in a way that might not be possible otherwise. So, in addition to the positive physical and mental aspects to marching and playing in the band, your teen also benefits from the socializing that takes place.

If your child is not into the idea of a traditional band camp, but he does like music, then a rock and roll camp may be for him. Dayjams is a three week long music day-camp with locations across the country. Children ages 9 to 15 can attend the camp one week, two weeks, or all three. The ones who do attend all three weeks get to create a music video at the end. The camp counselors are musicians themselves, either by profession or hobby.

The kids are divided into groups roughly by age and instrument played that will form bands. Together they will name their band, create their own song, and design a logo and CD art. The experience is the total package. It encourages their creativity and builds their self-esteem. This experience also brings together children that might not interact with each otherwise and gets them to cooperate as a group.

At the end of rock and roll band camp, the pint size musicians get to perform their original songs for their family and friends. It is a band camp experience that none of them will soon forget.

In the end, whether your child or teen likes traditional marching band or belongs to a rock band, there is a band camp for them!

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Traditional And Non-Traditional Band Camps

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