Updated -
Sunday, July 27, 2008
- click here for changes
BAND CAMP...THE FACTS!!!
click here for the official BAND CAMP HANDBOOK
click me
WHAT IS
BAND CAMP?
"Band Camp" is a 5-day period at the end of August where we go away to get better at everything that we do....rehearsal, performing, learning music, learning drill, building teamwork, etc....
We stay at Camp Saginaw in Oxford, Pennsylvania - about 90 miles from Mount Holly.
SO,
WE ACTUALLY GO AWAY?!?!?!
Yes. Back in 2003, I made the decision to do something thousands of high school bands around the country do - go away for camp. Starting in 2004, we did just that. The reason for this was to increase the band's productivity, take them out of their "comfort zone" and provide a special experience for everyone that will, in turn, lead to a highly productive season. Students begin to develop bonds and the band returns with a true sense of "team".
WHERE
DO WE STAY?
We are given a block of cabins at Camp Saginaw in the same area. Each cabin will have anywhere from 10-20 bunks depending on the number of students we are housing in each cabin. Students are assigned to "girls" & "boys" cabins by grade. A "bunk" is a sturdy wooden frame with a mattress. You also have a little shelf area to store your belongings. Students should bring their own sheets, pillows and/or sleeping bag. Each cabin has a bathroom & enclosed showers.
HOW MUCH PRACTICING DO WE DO?
On average, the band practices about 9-10 hours per day. They are given 45 minute blocks for meals as well as about 2 hours of recreation time each day. There is a morning rehearsal block, a shorter afternoon block and then a lengthier evening block. Each rehearsal block focuses on different elements of performance depending on what we need to get done.
IS BAND CAMP MANDATORY?
While it has never been absolutely mandatory, every member is expected to attend. In the event a student is unable to attend, a "plan B" is set in motion for that student to get him/her caught up to speed ASAP following our return from camp. If finances are an issue, we will gladly make arrangements to help you out. No student should be denied attending camp because of finances.
HOW MUCH IS CAMP THIS YEAR?
The cost for the 2008 RV Band Camp is $250.00. This covers transportation, lodging, meals, equipment hauling and facility usage. Again, there are fundraising opportunities throughout the summer to help offset or fully pay for the camp costs! Payments should be made in THREE installments:
JULY 29th - $100.00 - Cash or Checks, payable to "RVRHS" (changed 7/27/08)
AUGUST 14th - $100.00 - Cash or Checks payable to "RVRHS" (changed 7/27/08)
SO WHAT ABOUT THE "MINI-CAMPS"?
The Mini-Camps are not Band Camp but sort of a variation. Mini-camps are full-day rehearsals that will be held at the school from 12-9pm on the scheduled days - July 15-17 & August 12-14. More detailed information will be coming your way next week! The rehearsal format, however, will better prepare the members for Band Camp.
NOW WHAT?
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I will distribute the 2008 Band Camp Handbook & Permission Slips in a few weeks.
There will also be a Mandatory Student/Parent meeting on Tuesday, August 19th @ 8pm.
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Keep an eye out for announcements and get your payments in on time.
With your help & support, we will make this the best year yet!!!
~ Mr. Britton