2024 Band Camp

2024 Band Camp Dates:
Monday, August 12 - Saturday, August 17, 2024

All members of the University of Dubuque Marching Spartans (UDMS) are required to attend a one-week training camp in order to prepare for the season. During band camp, the band will start working on the show immediately and be fit for uniforms.

On-campus rehearsals during band camp take place on Chalmers Field and at various locations on the University of Dubuque campus. Band camp is extremely concentrated due to the finite number of rehearsal hours during the semester. It is an opportunity for the band to come together, learn or brush up on technique, rehearse music, learn drill, and get to know each other.

Tips:

  • Be active this summer to improve cardiovascular fitness before camp starts.
  • If bringing a personal instrument, make sure the instrument is in working order. Have pads, felts, corks, and springs checked before band camp. This can be done at a music store.
  • Invest in an insulated water jug. Water is provided, but it is easier and faster for members to have their own insulated water bottle.
  • Plan and pack for a vareity of weather conditions -- sun, rain, and heat, etc.

Things to Bring

Band Camp Items for All Members:

  • Black binder containing music that you have printed out (from the Google Drive folder) and inserted into sheet protector sleeves
  • Instrument, if applicable*
  • Supplies needed for instrument - band members are responsible for providing their own reeds, oil, grease, and other relevant maintenance supplies for their instrument. This policy applies to owned instruments and borrowed University instruments.
  • Comfortable clothing for indoor and outdoor rehearsals.
  • Comfortable, closed-toe footwear and socks for marching rehearsals. No flip-flops or sandals.
  • Socks to wear when trying on marching shoes during uniform fitting.
  • Wide-brimmed hat or visor.
  • Smartphone - fully charged every day. (UDMS uses Ultimate Drill Book app)
  • Sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Water bottle.
  • Ear protection.**
  • A great attitude.

* Members are welcome to use their own instruments. If needed, University-owned brass and wind instruments are available to use free of charge. Drumline members are issued University-owned drums, carriers, stands, covers, and sticks. Sousaphones and baritones are provided.

** All marching band members are encouraged to wear ear plugs, especially when rehearsing indoors. If a member has preferred ear protection, they may bring to band camp and marching band rehearsals. If a member needs ear protection, they are encouraged to ask anyone in a leadership position and a pair of ear plugs will be provided.

Items for Campus Housing Resident Students:
For students moving into a residence hall, bring everything needed for the semester. Review the New Student Housing Information for a list of what to bring and what not to bring as recommended by the Office of Residence Life.

Items to Have Before the First Marching Band Performance:

  • Returning members
    - Royal Blue Performance Shirt with logo on sleeve to be worn under bibs at every performance. This shirt was issued at the beginning of members' first season with marching band.
    - Marching Band visor and knit hat. These were issued last year.
  • All members
    - Clothes for Under Uniform - light-colored athletic shorts or leggings to wear under the white uniform bibs.
    - Long, White Socks (No Colored Heels) that extend to at least mid-calf.
    - Cold Weather, Non-Bulky Clothing to wear under marching uniform on chilly performance dates.
    - Hair Ties and/or Pins to allow hair to be styled in a way that it does not touch the collar of the uniform jacket (if applicable). 

Lodging

Resident Students: Marching band members living in the residence halls during the fall semester, who have made prior arrangements with Student Housing, will pick-up their keys between 8:00-10:00 a.m. and move into their assigned fall dorm room from 8:00-Noon on Monday, August 12, 2024. Residence hall students will not be assessed an additional fee for band camp week lodging.

Commuter Students: No band camp lodging will be provided for students who have not signed a University of Dubuque Residence Unit (Housing) Contract for the academic year.

Meals

Resident Students: Three meals per day are provided for band members attending band camp who are living in the residence halls starting with the meal listed below until dining meal plans activate:

- First Year Resident Students: starting with lunch hosted by the Office of Student Engagement on Monday, August 12, 2024. (First year students and their families.)
- Returning Resident Students: starting with a band dinner hosted by Fine and Performing Arts on Monday, August 12, 2024, for all student members of the band. (Students only.)

Commuter Students:

- ALL members of the band are invited to a band dinner on Monday, August 12, 2024, which will be held following the first day of band camp.
- Lunch is provided daily for commuter band members starting on Tuesday, August 13 through Saturday, August 17, 2024. 

Band Camp Schedule & Activities

Generally, each day will be divided into three practice sessions.

Morning: Drill and Show Learning
Mid-day: Sectionals
Afternoon: Full Band Rehearsal

Learn More About the Marching Spartans