What is Band Camp?
Our season begins with Band Camp during the last few weeks of August. Everyone meets at the parking lot at Mitchell Ave. — that means learning the steps, the moves and the routines, but it also means learning the rituals, the traditions, and the history of one of the best marching bands in the country. The weeks can be tough because we’re pretty set in our ways here, but you’ll return home and know it was all worth it.
A band camp can refer to many different types of camp, normally for kids, in which the main emphasis is on practicing musical instruments, getting specialist help, and playing in ensembles. Such a camp can have numerous types of focus, or be highly specialized. For instance you could attend a band camp that specializes in orchestral music, or jazz. Alternately, some band camps have several different types of training at the same time. A percussionist, for example, might attend a band camp that features opportunities to play in a jazz band, a symphonic band and a full orchestra. What is offered depends much upon the length of the camp and the teachers who are involved. Like many other types of camps, most band camps take place during the summer. Duration of a band camp is variable. Some last only over a weekend, while others can last a couple of weeks, or even a month or two. Prices range dramatically. A full summer band camp can be costly, but a great experience for kids. A one week ca
Band Camp at American is the time when all the members, old and new, of the band and color guard get together to learn how to march, play, and perform the music for the upcoming season’s field show and parade. At camp, students meet new friends, learn marching and playing fundamentals, start learning the field show and parade routine, and have a concentrated time for music, with no outside distractions. The students form friendships with each other, at all grade levels, making them feel welcome before summer ends and high school starts.
“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
