2008 McMurry University Band Camp


June 15-21, 2008
McMurry University
Abilene, Texas

Middle School Band Camp
High School Band Camp
High School Colorguard Camp
High School Drum Major Camp
Twirling Camp

Tuition: $150
Housing (for residential campers): $225

Day-camp total: $150 ($160 if registering after May 30)
Residential camp total: $375

 

Please note that ALL campers must have a completed McMurry Band Camp Application on file before being allowed to attend camp.

 

Click here to download the McMurry Band Camp Application.

 

NEWS!!

We are offering a large number of full scholarships (tuition, room, and board) to this year's High School Band Camp. Applications are due May 23, 2008.

Click here to download the scholarship application packet.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How do I sign up for camp?The application is available for download by clicking on the appropriate link above. You can also contact the McMurry Band Camp office to request a pre-printed copy of the application if you prefer. Please fill it out completely and mail it with the appropriate fees to the address indicated on the application. All residential campers must register by May 30, 2008. Day-camp participants may register May 31 - June 14, 2008 with a $10 late fee assessed.

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Are instruments provided? Students must provide their own instruments for the McMurry Band Camp , except for percussion instruments (xylophone, etc). Percussionists will need to bring their own sticks and mallets. Students who play school instruments (i.e. tuba, bass clarinet), should arrange to get an instrument from their band director before camp begins. All-day colorguard participant must bring their own equipment. Flags will only be provided for the Colorguard elective class for band campers.

 

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Who are the teachers and supervisors for camp? Instructional staff will consist of professional music educators from the Abilene area--possibly even your band director! Additional teaching, as well as student supervision, will be provided by student leaders chosen from the McMurry University Band program. The staff has been carefully selected to give your son or daughter a positive, safe, and exciting experience.

 

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Do you offer flags or twirling? We offer colorguard either on an all-day or elective basis. Twirling is available on an all-day basis.

 

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Are dorms available? Yes. The newly-renovated dormitories on our campus will be available. Students who do not indicate a roommate preference will be assigned a roommate for camp housing. Resident Assistants will monitor all dorm activities to insure a safe and secure environment.

 

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Will I get any additional information about camp? Yes. It will be posted here and mailed at the end of May.

 

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Are there auditions at camp? Band Camp participants will audition upon arriving at camp and checking in on Sunday, June 15. Audition music will be posted on this website at the end of May.Colorguard participants will also auditionto be placed in ability-based classes. While there is not a pre-set audition routine, all colorguard campers should review their basic skills before coming to camp.Drum Major campers will not audition. Those who wish to participate in the ATSSB All-State Etude Prep elective should still bring their instruments to camp.

 

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Is there any transportation available to get my child to camp? Students and their families are responsible for getting them to the McMurry campus for camp. Once they check in for camp, residential campers will not be allowed to leave campus until camp concludes on Saturday, June 30th. Day campers are expected to be on campus by the time the first activity begins each day. Please plan to pick up your day-camper as soon as the activities for the day conclude at 5:00 p.m. Some schools may provide transportation to camp. Check with your band director.

 

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Are meals provided at camp? All campers, whether day-camp or overnight participants, will be fed lunch every day in the McMurry cafeteria. Overnight campers will also have breakfast and dinner provided, beginning with dinner on Sunday, June 15 and ending with breakfast on Saturday, June 21. The McMurry cafeteria provides a wide variety of healthy options at each meal.

 

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Can my son/daughter leave campus for lunch? No. Once students arrive in the morning, they are restricted to campus until the end of the day. Students may bring their lunch, but may NOT leave campus.Overnight campers are to remain on campus for the duration of camp.

 

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What are these elective classes, and which one should my son/daughter take?Each student chooses two elective classes, and should pick what interests them. These classes are designed to explore interesting things about music or help students improve in important skill areas.

  • ATSSB All-State Etude Prep - This elective is designed to give students a head start on preparing for this audition during the coming school year. The 2008 ATSSB All-State audition scales and etudes will be the material covered in this class. It should be noted that this class will NOT employ rote-teaching techniques. The intent is for students to develop true musical understanding of these etudes and to learn how to practice them effectively.

  • Jazz Ensemble - This group consists primarily of saxophones, trumpets, and trombones. Students who play piano, guitar, bass, or drum set may also audition. Auditions are on Monday of camp, and will consist of sight-reading. There is nothing to prepare for this audition. Drummers must be able to read trap set music; guitarists must be able to read chord symbols; and bass players must be able to read written-out bass lines. Guitarists and bass players should bring an instrument but no amp (one will be provided). Drummers should NOT bring their own drum sets--one will be available for all auditions and rehearsals. Students who choose Jazz Ensemble as an elective should also pick a third elective as n option, in case they are not selected for the Jazz Ensemble.

  • Marching Fundamentals - Students will learn the basics of marching technique. These fundamentals will be taught in such a way that students can then adapt these fundamentals to the specific marching style of their marching bands at home. Advanced marchers will also benefit from this class as a means of further perfecting their marching skills.

  • Rhythm Class - This class is designed to help students improve their ability to count and play rhythms. While many students learn notes and play with good tone qualities, even the best band students can still struggle with counting rhythms. This class will provide a fun way to improve in this area.

  • Music Theory - This class is for students who are curous about how music is "put together." Students will learn about chords, scales, and other elements composers use to write a piece of music.

  • Music Appreciation - This class is for students who are curious about different kinds of music, what it sounds like, and where it is performed. They will listen to a wide variety of music from all over the world, and will hopefully return home with a much broader appreciation of how to enjoy different kinds of music.

  • Colorguard Class - Open to girls and boys, this is a beginning class in flag fundamentals, designed for students who may eventually want to be in the flags/colorguard in their high school marching bands. Members of the McMurry University Colorguard will help instruct this class. You do not need to bring your own flag--we will provide one.

  • Leadership Class - Students will work with outstanding music educators from across the state to develop strong leadership skills. Topics will include motivation, leading by example, teamwork, and teaching techniques.

 

 

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Do you offer scholarships?At this point, we do not offer scholarships for camp. Many band programs do, however, offer some sort of assistance. Check with your local band director for details.

 

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Where can I get additional information? For more information, contact the McMurry Band Camp at cneal@mcm.edu or (325) 793-4867.

 

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Box 575 McM Station
Abilene, TX 79697
McMurry University Website

McMurry Band
Website Front Page

(325) 793-3837
cneal@mcm.edu
Music Department Website