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Band Camp

About Band Camp at Stoughton High School

Saxophone player image

Each summer, the SHS Band program in conjunction with the SHS Band Boosters, hosts a band camp.  The camp is held at Stoughton High School.  During Band Camp week, students learn and deepen their understanding of musical technique and fundamentals that give a foundation for success during the school year and a jump-start on the season.  In addition, students work together to learn basic marching technique and the Viking Marching Band learns drill for their field show production.  The bonds formed through hard work, sweat, and sunscreen last for years.

Summer 2024 Band Camp

July 15, 16, 17, 18

8 AM-12 PM (All Band Students)

1:00-5:00 PM (Only VMB)

July 19

8 AM-12 PM (Only VMB)

1 PM-5 PM (All Band Students) 

Family Performance and Picnic (All Band Students) 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

Summer 2025 Band Camp

July TBD

8 AM-12 PM (All Band Students)

1:00-5:00 PM (Only VMB)

July TBD

8 AM-12 PM (Only VMB)

1 PM-5 PM (All Band Students) 

Family Performance and Picnic (All Band Students) 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

2024/25 Flip Folder Contents

What music should I have in my flip folder this year?  Click HERE to access the flip folder list.  Click on the links in the document to access publisher recordings.  Are you feeling overwhelmed because this looks like a lot of music?  Don't worry!  We'll work together this year in rehearsals, sectionals, and lessons to get better at it.

Band Camp FAQs

  • What should I wear to band camp?  Wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and is breathable.  Athletic shorts, t-shirts, socks, and shoes are best.  Don't wear sandals or flip-flops.  You should also plan on bringing and wearing a hat when rehearsing outdoors.  Believe it or not, wearing a hat can reduce the chances of sun burn.
  • Anything else I should plan on bringing?  Bring sunscreen and don't be afraid to apply!  You should also bring water.  A water bottle is fine, but if you are in Viking Marching Band, a water jug is even better.  That way you can bring ice water in the AM and it will last quite a while.  All returning High School members should also plan on bringing their marching shoes, shirt, and gloves on the first day of camp so that we can check their fit and order replacements if they won't work for the coming season.
  • Where is Band Camp?  At Stoughton High School!  At the beginning of the day you'll enter the building through Door 21 (back of school) and head to the band room for announcements and direction.
  • I've never been to Band Camp before.  What can I expect?  We generally start the day playing together as one big band.  We'll learn some technical/musical fundamentals and start learning our standards (National Anthem, School Song, etc.) and pep tunes that we'll play in the fall and at pep rallies, etc.  Then, still as one band, we'll learn the basics of how to move with our instruments when marching.  Finally, we'll split into smaller groups to keep learning music.  The Viking Marching Band will learn drill for the field show.  Also, expect time to get to know your section members.  Band is fun because we get to make great music with great people - getting to know your section and the rest of the band is really important.  Don't be nervous!.  Know that you're not alone and everyone felt the same way the first time they went to band camp.
  • How do I take care of myself at the end of the day?  At the end of camp?  Make sure to rest, hydrate (with water), and eat some good food.  Take care of your body and take care of your mind so you can show up fresh for the next rehearsal.
  • What if I can't make it for a day of band camp or make it to band camp at all?  Obviously, it's best for you to attend all of Band Camp.  Everything you'll learn in that week makes things way easier in the fall.  If something comes up, you can still be in band.  The most important thing is to communicate absences with Mr. Schmidt AND to fill out a Conflict Form.  In the future, make sure to mark down the dates and times of rehearsal - the band calendar is always updated every spring to show dates through the following summer.
  • What if I need an instrument?  Make sure to communicate that with Mr. Schmidt ASAP - before Music Distribution Day/Welcome Back if at all possible.  
  • What if I'm really struggling to learn the music?  Don't worry!  This happens to everyone!  What you move from band in 8th grade to band in 9th grade, you go from playing a few tunes at a time to playing way more.  It's going to take time, but that's why you take band as a class.  Think about it this way - you take Cooking 101 if you want to know how to cook - not if you are a world famous chef.  Realize that learning music takes time, and you don't have to learn alone.  Not only will we have band rehearsals, but you'll have sectionals as well.  Your section leader will also be a big help.  Don't be afraid to ask questions!  If you need extra lessons, just ask Mr. Schmidt.  He's always happy to work with you during the summer.
  • I'm still confused and I still have questions.  What do I do?  Reach out to Mr. Schmidt - he's more than happy to help!  eMail works best, just click HERE for the address.  Mr. Schmidt will also send out additional information via email a few weeks before Camp begins.  Check the email address that you have associated with Campus Portal.