Band Camps

Band Camps FAQ

Why should I have my children attend band camp?

It is a great learning and relationship building experience.

How do you register?

Call the continuing education department at 262-472-3165, online at http://www.uww.edu/conteduc/camps.htm, by U.S. mail or by dropping off the registration in Continuing Education Office (Roseman 2005).

Is it fun?

Yes!

Where is it located?

It is located at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater campus.

How much experience does a camper need to have?

We ask that all campers at least have 9 -10 months of experience. Usually 1 year at school. We are prepared to work with campers that have basic ability at the middle school level

Is there still room at camp?

Until closed is posted on the website, we will be accepting registrations. For guaranteed enrollment, register by July 1.

Can 2 friends be roommates?

Yes, just have both campers indicate the other camper's name on their registration form. We'll do our best to make sure they are assigned together in the same room.

Is registration limited?

Somewhat. We have to look at instrumentation so sometimes we will limit instruments in order to insure balance

Are there scholarships?

Yes for the campers that win a scholarship the previous year and return. Also, some band booster/parent groups provide help with tuition

To whom should the check for tuition be made out?

UW-Whitewater with the camper's name in the memo.

What grades are middle school week for?

It is for those campers entering grades 6-9 this fall. 5th graders are welcome if they started learning their instrument in 4th grade

How do you pair up roommates?

If there is no roommate request we pair them by age.

Which camp should my soon-to-be 9th grader attend?

This choice is up to the family. We have some 9th graders in middle school week. It really should depend on the comfort and maturity of the camper.

What is the staff to camper ratio?

State law requires 1:15 our ratio typically is 1:11

Do you do background checks on staff?

The camp staff is by majority made of up of returning staff. They all at one time filled out an application and had their references checked prior to being hired.

What is the dress for the concert?

We would like it if campers brought something a bit nicer than jeans. Jackets are not required nor are dress/skirts. We ask that the campers bring something they would be comfortable in front of a large crowd. Dress clothes appropriate for instrument as well as camper being seated or standing should be taken into consideration.

Evening entertainment options?

Every evening there is a recital of some kind. Staff, Honors, Cultural Music or Chamber groups.

Is evening free time supervised?

We offer several options to each camper each evening. All of them are supervised by male and female camp staff. Examples are: swimming, bowling, movies, board games, recreation center, and email.

What if my camper takes medication?

Depending on the camper's age or needs staff will assist and keep track of any necessary medications. Please bring any medications in the container that it was dispensed in.

When can I come visit my camper?

Parents/Family are welcome anytime. We do ask that you not disrupt intentionally or by your presence interfere with any activity. Dinner time or the evening concerts seem to be a good time to visit. Depending on the camper, visits can be good or hard on both camper and family members. When in doubt contact camp staff. To remove a camper from campus even for a short time will require a written note and photo id of parent.

Is my camper safe?

While every environment has dangers we work very hard to protect our campers. Every activity is supervised by our staff and our campus is monitored by sworn police officers 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. We also do a thorough bed check each night to insure everyone is in the right place and isn't having any problems. We check attendance at each camp activity and require written parental consent for campers to leave campus.

How can I reach staff?

Camp staff is available 24 hours a day. They can be reached by phone 262-472-1337

What if we have a time conflict?

Sometimes campers have pre-existing obligations that occur during camp. We ask that you provide in writing to staff a note indicating when you will pick up the camper and their approximate return. You will be asked to show identification.

Can anyone take my camper off campus?

No. Only a guardian or someone with a signed note from the guardian can take the camper off campus for any reason

When does camp start?

Each camp starts on a Sunday. Check-in time begins at noon. 2pm is the all camp meeting and auditions start around 2:30 and run until 5:30 pm.

What if we'll be late in arriving?

Please indicate that on your registration or contact the CES office (262-472-3165). By letting us know, we'll be ready to blend the camper into camp as soon as they arrive.

Is camp air conditioned?

Our daytime facilities and dining hall are air conditioned. Housing is not air conditioned.

What is the housing like?

We use UW-W Residence Halls. It will be a 4 story building which houses 2 campers per room with a communal bathroom/shower room on each floor. There is a TV and gathering area in the basement. It is not air conditioned.

What if my camper also plays electric guitar, bass or piano?

There is limited opportunity for those types of instruments in a concert band setting. However, the jazz ensemble, jazz improv class or free time would allow for campers to utilize those skills

Is the camp a marching band camp?

No. Our focus is on concert band literature played inside.

If my camper plays drums what do they bring?

We will supply all percussion equipment necessary. They do need to bring any sticks or mallets they may own.

If I bring an electric guitar do I need to bring the amp?

Yes. We will supply a convenient and secured location to store it when not in use

Is my camper's instrument secure?

We provide a space that is locked. Depending on the instrument that may be a locker or a locked room.

Does everyone live on campus?

No. There are some campers that choose to commute to camp. They are welcome at all evening activities and we ask that they are picked up and returned to camp promptly. In addition to receiving everything but housing the commuting tuition includes lunch and dinner for the camper.

Do campers go alone to camp?

Yes. We assist campers in settling as best we can and get them to meet each other as quickly as possible.

Will a camper feel out of place if they don't have a friend from home?

No, many come without knowing anyone. We assist campers in settling as best we can and get them to meet each other as quickly as possible.

What if my camper will need help moving their instrument around?

No problem. We supply secured locations near the rehearsal space.

Do we need any specific music to bring to camp?

Yes. Included in your pre-camp mailer is a sheet of music for audition simply look for the line for your instrument. Also bring something the camper has played before (in band, for contest, for fun, etc)

How do auditions work?

Each camper, of like instrument, plays for a staff member for about 5 minutes. The camper will play the supplied audition piece, the piece they brought and a scale of their choosing (chromatic for HS is suggested). The staff member then creates 2 or 3 sections for each band.

What if my camper is very talented?

Be sure to bring a solo piece so they can audition for the Honors Recital. If the piece has accompaniment please bring that as well.

What supplies do we bring?

Look for the packing list on the website. Be sure to bring plenty of reeds, valve oil, mouth piece, etc depending on the instrument the camper plays

What if we didn't get our information sheet?

Check the website the information sheet is there for download

Is there a final concert that we can attend?

YES! The concert is Friday at 6:30 pm in the Irvin L Young Auditorium and is free of charge. Parking is available adjacent to the building.

When can we watch campers perform?

Every camper will perform Thursday night at 7:30 pm and Friday at 6:30 pm in the Irvin L Young Auditorium. There is no admission cost

Can we video tape the concert?

Yes, but your location in the auditorium will be assigned if you can't film from a seated position.

Are there any discounts on tuition?

Yes! Find 8 campers total from your school and each camper will receive a discount on their tuition

I'm having trouble registering online. What can I do?

Please call 262-472-3165

What if my camper has special medical needs?

Our camp staff will do our best to meet your camper's needs in the most sensitive and private manner. Please contact us before camp and have written instructions to leave with us as well as the campers medical form filled out completely. Please understand that the staff has minimal medical training. Campers with attention deficit, diabetes, asthma, or campers who need help taking medications are easily accommodated.

Does the camper need to have had private lessons?

No. While we encourage budding musicians to study privately, we understand that it is not possible for most.

Can a camper drive themselves to camp?

Yes if they have a license! They will also have to purchase a parking permit and turn in their keys to staff at registration. We'll return them on Friday for them to pack their car.

What if a camper is injured?

In the case of a simple injury Camp staff will evaluate and treat with simple first aid and contact you. In the case of more serious injury Whitewater's EMS team will be called and a camp staff member will accompany the camper to the hospital and contact the emergency contact provided on the camper's health form.

Will campers have access to email?

Limited access to email will be available during break times and supervised by staff.

Is there a final concert?

Yes! Please feel free to bring the family! It is Friday night at 6:30 pm in the Irving L. Young auditorium. The cost is free.

What is the difference between Theory I and II?

We give a brief theory quiz the first day. Campers with a higher knowledge level will be placed in Theory II. If your camper is in the upper range of grade for their week and has a good basic understanding of theory they will probably be placed in Theory II.

I need to change my class choice.

If it is less than 2 weeks prior to camp, tell your camper to contact camp staff the first full day of camp. Changing classes will be allowed as space allows. If it is more than 2 weeks before camp please contact CES 262-472-3165 and they can grant your request.

Where do we drop off our camper?

Please follow the directions mailed to you. If it is during the check in time go to Arey Hall. If it is after the check in time please go first to the Camp Headquarters in the Center of the Arts room 1010

Where do we pick up our camper?

We ask that you meet your camper at the residence hall before the final concert if possible.

Can flutes, horns, drummers or clarinets take the Jazz Improv class?

Yes! Just make it your class selection. Improvisation is a skill every instrument can learn.