PRE-CAMP COMMUNICATIONS
In order to get information to campers as timely and effectively as possible, details about the camp after enrollment will be sent by email. It is imperative that you provide a current, working email address for participants and a parent (for students) when registering. Info to be emailed includes acknowledgement of registration and final packet of maps, times, check-in and what-to-bring details.
Download the Student FAQ document here
WHAT DO I BRING TO CAMP?
ALL CAMP PARTICIPANTS NEED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. FOR SPECIFICS, PLEASE REFER TO YOUR AREA OF STUDY.
• Comfortable shoes for walking around campus
• Light jacket/sweatshirt for cool weather
• Backpack
• Rain gear for inclement weather
• Personal toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses/hats
• Water bottle
• Towels, washcloth, blanket (sheets, pillow and pillowcases are provided)
• Alarm clock
• All dorms will have air conditioning for the duration of the camp week. The rooms tend to be a bit cool for sleeping so plan accordingly.
• Pens/pencils and notebook
• Due to the large number of camp participants, please make sure all of your belongings are marked with your name, address, and school.
CONCERT BAND STUDENTS
• Your instrument, with your name, address and school marked on the case.
• A fold-up music stand marked with your name, address and school.
• Any necessary supplies or accessories, such as reeds, neck straps, valve oil, etc. Muncie Music Center will be on campus during the week to sell reeds, oil, etc.
• Comfortable clothes (shorts, jeans & shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day.
•CONCERT BLACK for your final performance. Girls: long black skirt (below the knee) or slacks are acceptable with a white blouse and black shoes. Boys: black pants, white shirt, dark colored tie, black socks and black shoes.
ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
• Your instrument, bow, rosin, mute, music stand, shoulder rest (for violin and viola players). Clearly label your equipment with your name, address and school. Please bring your mutes and extra strings.
•Cello/Bass students: please bring your rock stops.
• Comfortable clothes (shorts, jeans & shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day.
• CONCERT BLACK for your final performance. Girls: long black skirt (below the knee) or slacks are acceptable with a white blouse and black shoes. Boys: Dark suit, white shirt, tie, black socks and black shoes.
JAZZ BAND STUDENTS
• Pair of blue jeans, white shirt and tie for your final performance.
• Your instrument, with your name, address and school marked on the case.
• Any necessary supplies or accessories, such as reeds, neck straps, valve oil, etc. Muncie Music Center will be on campus during the week to sell reeds, oil, etc.should you need anything.
• Comfortable clothes (shorts, jeans & shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day.
• Guitar and Bass students do not need to bring amplifiers, these will be provided. However, Guitar and Bass students should bring a cable to connect their instrument to the amplifiers provided. No cables will be available for your use. The Muncie Music Center will be on campus should you need to purchase one.
• JAZZ DRUM SET STUDENTS ONLY: Please do NOT bring your own drum set. Bring sticks, brushes, and a practice pad.
DRUM MAJORS
• If you wish instruction on twirling baton or mace skills, bring a mace or equivalent stick of 44”
• Comfortable clothes (shorts & t-shirts): please note that you will be outside the majority of your day.
• Sunglasses/hat, water bottle, SUNSCREEN
• Lace-up athletic shoes with proper arch support for all practices, NO SANDALS allowed
• Spiral notebook and pen/pencil MUST be brought to the FIRST SESSION
• A copy of the DM textbook: Dynamic Drum Major by George Parks (Highly suggested, but not required).
MARCHING BAND STUDENTS
• Your marching instrument (in good working condition) with your name, address and school marked on the case.
• A fold-up music stand marked with your name, address and school. This is required of ALL marching band members.
• Any necessary supplies or accessories, such as reeds, neck straps, valve oil, etc. The Muncie Music Center will be on campus during the week to sell reeds, oil, etc.
• Comfortable clothes (shorts & t-shirts): please note that you will be outside for the majority of your day.
• Sunglasses/hat, water bottle, LOTS OF SUNSCREEN!
•Lace-up athletic shoes with proper arch support for all practices and athletic (or thick) socks.
COLOR GUARD STUDENTS
ALL Color Guard students considering EITHER the Master Class, Rifle or Sabre classes are asked to bring ALL THREE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT to camp. The audition process creates an interesting mix of talent from around the country. Some students may be asked to take the challenge to be in the most advanced group even if they hadn’t signed up for the Master Class. Finale could include a Flag segment thus eliminating additional needs.This additional equipment preparation will also give added overall guard training for ALL of these multiple equipment students. A sample Master Class, if you will!
*MOST students will NOT change their chosen class of Flag, Rifle or Sabre during the week after audition/placement has occurred, but we also make sure each student is placed as correctly in his/her level as possible.
• Auditions/Placement will occur Monday morning for ALL Color Guard students.
• A specific Master Class audition will also be held MONDAY at10 a.m. during the main auditions. Individual warm up will be available at 9:30 a.m. with the audition beginning at 10 a.m. in a gym setting (if available). This will be a World-Class audition with skills and abilities expected to be at the highest levels. Attendance is mandatory for any student who wishes to be considered for the Master class.
• Mark your flag pole, rifle, and/or sabre with your name, address and school on each piece of equipment. Permanent markers, labels and clear tape should do the trick.
• Most weapons are acceptable. Rifles must range from 36 inch to 39 inch and should be taped, white is the preferred color. And straps are optional. Sabres vary based on experience, but most band supply company sabres, are in the 36 inch to 39 inch range. Either metal or plastic hilt will be accepted for use. All weapon students may want to bring an additional weapon to symposium in case of any breakage.
• It is REQUIRED that ALL students (including weapons) have a flag pole height of 6 feet. Beginning weapons will not need flag poles. If needed for Finale, flags & poles will be provided for use for these students. • A solid colored silk (flag) for the 6 ft pole, with the following size:
35’’ x 50’’ - minimum
35’’ x 60’’ - maximum If you do not have these dimensions, please bring a flag closest to: 35’’ x 50’’.
NOTE: It is preferred that this flag isn’t a show or performance flag. It is suggested to bring an additional practice flag due to inclement weather. Bring this practice flag for use all week. Bring this practice flag for auditions & to use early in the week. An additional flag will be supplied by MFA sponsors to use during the week of symposium.
• It is recommended that all students bring white and black electrical tape in case of any needed repairs.
• TWO 1” carriage bolts (length from 1-2” from a local hardware store). These bolts will be used to weight your flag pole. If your poles are properly weighted, still bring these extras if possible!
• Recommended and appropriate clothing includes: Athletic shorts and t-shirts or tops. Warm up suits, athletic wear & outside dance wear are also suggested. Layers are especially recommended because of the extreme weather at times during this summer event. (Sports bras, swimwear may be worn under shirts ONLY.)
• Not allowed: Boxer shorts, spandex shorts, short shorts, halter or tube tops. (Sports bras, swimwear may be worn under shirts ONLY). Flip-flops/sandals are never allowed during Color Guard sessions!
• Please note: We WILL be outside for the majority of your day. PLEASE bring head covers like hats, headbands and scarves and sunglasses. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water bottles, a small towel and more sunscreen!
• Bring two (2) pairs of lace-up athletic shoes with proper arch support for ALL sessions for good and inclement weather. Dance sneakers are great; dance shoes are not as we are outside most of the week. Sandals/Flip Flops are NEVER acceptable for any color guard session!
• Performance attire for Saturday’s Finale will include: shorts, white top or T-shirt and tennis shoes.
• Multiple equipment students should bring their equipment in a simple equipment or flag bag. This equipment bag should have enough space for all of your equipment; be labeled properly with your name, address and school; and be made with a strong, durable and waterproof fabric. If possible, borrow your guard’s equipment bag for the week.
• Get ready for any amazing week of Color Guard, Pageantry Arts and Life-Changing Experiences in 2011 at BSU!
NATIONAL PERCUSSION SYMPOSIUM STUDENTS
• If you do not own items listed below, please borrow them from your school. Be sure to label your items.
Concert Track Students:
• Concert sticks, keyboard mallets for orchestra bells, xylophone, vibes, marimba and timpani mallets
• Practice pad
• Please be sure to bring the following small accessories (tambourine, triangle w/ clip and beater(s), woodblock, etc.) LABEL ALL PERSONAL ITEMS
• Hand towel for a stand cover
• A fold-up music stand marked with your name, address and school
• A tuning key
• CONCERT BLACK for your final performance. Girls: long black skirt (below the knee) or slacks are acceptable with a white blouse and black shoes. Boys: black pants, white shirt, dark colored tie, black socks and black shoes.
Marching Percussion Track Students:
• PLEASE BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT & CARRIER marked with your name, address and school
• Snare, multi-tom and bass drummers: Bring instrument stand if possible
• Sticks/mallets (extra pair if possible)
• Tuning key- a high tension key if you own one
• Practice pad
• Hand towel for a stand cover
• White stick tape
• Lace-up athletic shoes
• Sunglasses/hat, backpack, water bottle, SUNSCREEN
LEADERSHIP WEEKEND EXPERIENCE PARTICIPANTS
• Comfortable clothes and TENNIS SHOES
• Sunglasses/hat, water bottle, SUNSCREEN
• Pens and pencils
•Notebook
*You will be doing many interactive exercises outdoors. Sandals will not always be appropriate so please pack your shoes accordingly.
WHERE DO I CHECK IN AND WHEN?
RESIDENCE HALL CHECK IN
Upon arrival to campus participants should proceed to their assigned Residence Hall to receive your key, meal card and check in to your room. Residence Halls will be available for check in from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. on your arrival day. Participants will receive an email by June 6 with their assigned dormitory.
ARRIVING LATE?
If arriving after 11p.m. please call the Music for All Hotline at 877-643-6043 and notify us. A Music for All or Ball State University representative will meet you in your dormitory loby with your key and check you in.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION/NOTEBOOK PICK-UP
All participants should report to the Symposium Registration Room, located in the Park Hall Multipurpose Room, to officially register and pick up a credential and notebook. The Symposium Registration Room will be open at the following times:
Leadership Weekend Experience Registration
Saturday, June 18: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Park Hall Multipurpose Room
Opening Session begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18
Full Week Symposium Registration
Monday, June 20: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Park Hall Multipurpose Room
Opening Session begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20
Registration will take approximately 30-minutes. We encourage you to arrive and give yourself plenty of time to complete registration and placement hearings/auditions (if applicable) prior to the Opening Session. Please note that Monday lunch is on your own and NOT included in your Symposium fee, unless you are also attending the Leadership Weekend Experience. Participants who attend the Leadership Weekend Experience and are continuing with the weeklong Symposium only need to register once.
ADDITIONAL HOUSING/EARLY ARRIVALS
If your travel plans dictate a Friday arrival on campus for Leadership Weekend Experience, early housing is provided at no extra charge, provided you request it before May 21. All housing additions and changes made after May 21 must include a $20 change fee. MFA will provide supervision for early arrival students beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
Additional night’s housing for students is available for $25 per person, per night if your travel plans dictate an early arrival Friday, June 17 (Leadership Weekend if requested after May 21); Sunday, June 19, before the camp week; or a departure on Sunday, June 26. If your child needs additional housing and you haven’t indicated this already, please send a check to the MFA office, or call us with your credit card number if you need to arrange any special housing. Remember the $20 change fee will be assessed for changes made after May 21. Please note which meals are provided in the “What The Symposium Fee Includes” section. There are numerous restaurants located in the village and on the BSU campus for any additional meals.
IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Music for All will provide participants with identification. Please be prepared to show such identification upon request. Participants are required to carry their key, name tags, and meal cards at all times.
FINAL PERFORMANCES & CHECK OUT
Every student will participate in a Final Performance between 8:30 am and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. We invite and encourage parents and families to attend the final performances. Students will not be allowed to leave at the end of their respective presentation; all students are required to remain on campus until the conclusion of all final performances at 3:00 p.m. We feel this is part of the educational experience both as a performer and audience member. We ask that if your child performs early, you remain throughout the entire day to ensure a great audience for everyone involved. If there is a serious reason for your child to leave camp prior to 3:00 p.m., you must contact the MFA office at 800.848.2263 with your specific situation. Notification must reach our office prior to June 15.
CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
Upon check out, participants will leave linens in rooms and will leave doors unlocked. ANY MISSING OR DAMAGED UNIVERSITY PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED TO THE PARTICIPANT. Do NOT leave trash in rooms, but carry it to the various trash rooms located on each floor of your residence hall. BSU will ensure that ample signage is posted directing guests to floor trash rooms. Residence Hall check out will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Students staying over until Sunday must check-out by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday.
WHAT DOES MY SYMPOSIUM FEE INCLUDE?
• Tuition
• Admittance to all evening concerts and events
• Symposium workbook and materials
• Housing and Meals
Leadership Weekend Experience & Summer Symposium Participants:
• Lunch Saturday, June 18 - Lunch Saturday, June 25
• Includes housing Saturday, June 18 - Friday night, June 24
* Friday night and Saturday night housing, June 17 & 25, is also available.
Please contact MFA at 800.848.2263
Summer Symposium Participants:
• Dinner Monday, June 20 – Lunch Saturday, June 25
• Includes housing Monday, June 20 - Friday night, June 24
* Sunday night and Saturday night housing, June 19 & 25, is also available.
Please contact MFA at 800.848.2263
Leadership Weekend Experience ONLY Participants:
• Lunch Saturday, June 18 – Lunch Monday, June 20
• Includes housing Saturday, June 18 - Sunday night, June 19
* Friday night housing, June 17, is also available.
Please contact MFA at 800.848.2263
HOW DO MEALS WORK?
All Leadership and full-week Symposium participants will be given a meal card to be swiped in the dining halls during designated meal periods. Meal cards are preloaded with a set amount of money for each meal period. Students will be using dining halls that are “all you care to eat” and “a la carte.” Participants that wish to purchase “a la carte” items above and beyond the amount of money on the meal card will be allowed to do so by paying with cash or credit/ debit card. You may wish to bring cash or a pre-paid debit/credit card for these instances, if desired. Please note that the amount of money loaded onto the meal card will purchase an adequate meal for either a student or adult participant.
HOW MUCH CAN I SPEND AT EACH MEAL?
Breakfast - $4.20
Lunch - $7.55
Dinner - $7.55
* You may only swipe your card once per each meal time
LOST OR STOLEN KEYS/MEAL CARDS
At registration, students will receive a key, which will allow them access to their dormitory for the duration of camp, as well as a meal card for access into the dining halls. If at any time their key or meal card is lost or stolen, they must find a SWAG or go to SWAG Headquarters located in Park Hall to fill out acknowledgement of responsibility for the charge. Please be sure your child is aware of this policy. They will be charged $60 for the new key and $5 for the new meal card. If your child does not have the funds with them (cash, check or credit card), we will be contacting you, the parents, for payment. New keys and/or meal card will not be issued without you or your child’s knowledge.
HOW DO I GET TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT, OR BUS STATION? A shuttle service is available from both the Indianapolis airport and the Muncie Miller Trailways Bus Station. Shuttle forms are available online. The shuttle fee must be paid prior to camp. Please note: If you are flying with instruments and/or musical equipment, please call the airline first to learn about size restrictions. In some cases, there is an extra fee for oversized luggage. Those traveling by bus and train to and from Indianapolis will need to add an aditional leg to their trip to include the Muncie stop. Please note the Muncie does not have a train station.
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR THE WEEK?
• You are expected to attend all classes and evening events. Attendance will be taken as each class starts and roll will also be taken at the nightly floor meeting in your dorm. If you are not present and are not with the nurse, an immediate search of the campus will commence.
• You are expected to follow the rules and timelines regarding room assignments, curfew and lights out. • All prescription medication must be registered with the camp nurse during the registration process.
• You must observe the TOBACCO FREE camp policy taken by Music for All. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are not allowed in the possession of any student participant.
• Use of alcohol and/or drugs is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and will result in immediate dismissal from the camp.
• You must not leave campus for any reason without having made prior, specific arrangements with the MFA staff.
• Appropriate behavior is expected at all times.
• If students drive to BSU, they are required to turn in their car keys for the week upon registration into the camp. Students will not be allowed to drive for any reason during the week. (except commuters)
• Payment for damaged or unreturned lost articles: Participant assumes responsibility and will be billed for any room damages that occur during their stay. Participants will also be responsible for damages to other areas of any building or grounds directly caused by them.
UNIVERSITY HOUSING RULES:
• No open flames
• Nothing may be posted on any door or wall other than the provided bulletin board.
• Do not prop open doors
• Lofted furniture should remained lofted and should not block access to any windows
• Furniture should not be dismantled or removed from its designated space.
• Markings or postings on exterior surfaces of residence halls and complexes also are prohibited, this includes but is not limited to writing messages on sidewalks using chalk or tape.
• Students are responsible for disposal of their trash. Trash and recycling rooms are located on every floor and may be locked for safety reasons each night.
• Housing and Residence Life provides a board on each room door in some residence halls. Students who reside in these halls can ONLY post items on the board provided. Students are prohibited from affixing postings to any area outside of the board. Students should not affix any other boards to the door.
• Students may be held responsible for any damage that results from a violation of any policy.
ANY INFRACTION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN EARLY DISMISSAL FROM THE CAMP. Parents will be responsible for transportation costs if a child is dismissed early from the camp.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE SYMPOSIUM?
The following items are not allowed at camp:
• Rollerblades
• Skateboards
• Scooters
• Coffee Makers
• Bicycles
• Non-performance weapons of any type, such as pocket knives/swiss army knives, etc.
The above items will be confiscated by MFA and not returned.
*Students are permitted to bring cell phones to camp, however, the phones MUST BE TURNED OFF during all sessions and concerts.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
Parking is complimentary for the Summer Symposium. If you are a commuter you will pick up your parking pass at registration. If you are staying on campus, you will receive your parking pass when you check in to your dormitory. The passes are only good for specific lots on campus. Parking outside of the designated areas will result in fines that will be your responsibility. Students staying on campus must turn in their keys to their SWAG team member at registration.
WHO SUPERVISES THE PARTICIPANTS?
The student counselors for the week are members of TEAM SWAG. They will be with you the entire week to answer any questions you have and to help you get the most out of your experience at camp. They will be present at all clinics/events and will have rooms on each floor to help you 24-hours a day. Each member of the team must pass a background check and are hand selected by the leadership team. TEAM SWAG is made up of college students, band directors and other adults who have volunteered their time to make sure that you have the most exceptional experience of yoru summer. In addition, members of the Symposium faculty and MFA staff will be available to answer any questions or assist you during your stay.
REGISTERED NURSES will be on hand during the week. In order to ensure the safety of all students on campus, all students on prescription medication (with the exception of insulin, inhalers and bee sting medication) are required to turn the medication over to the camp nurse during registration. Please note that the nurse cannot distribute aspirin unless it is given to him/her at registration. REMINDER: IF YOU ARE NOT PRESENT AT YOUR ASSIGNED SESSION AND ARE NOT WITH THE NURSE, AN IMMEDIATE SEARCH OF THE CAMPUS WILL COMMENCE.
ADVICE FROM OUR CAMP NURSES:
Your instructional days are probably longer than what you experience at home so make a point to eat THREE WELL-BALANCED MEALS, drink plenty of water, and get enough rest so that you do not get sick. Since you will have to walk around campus to get to class and meals, good supportive shoes are essential. Also, if you have any need to use ankle, wrist, or any kind of brace during the school year, BRING IT WITH YOU. It is imperative that a staff member know if you get sick or injured during the week, i.e. your SWAG, clinician, or nurse. It is not acceptable for you to simply stay in your dorm room and miss class until you feel better. We can- not help you if we are not aware of the problem!
HOW MAY I BE REACHED?
You may receive mail at your dorm. All mail will be delivered to your room in the residence hall by a member of the Music for All staff or TEAM SWAG.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Please send mail EARLY so that it will arrive on campus while your child is still there! The letter/package should be addressed as follows:
“Student’s name”
Conferences and Special Events
c/o Music for All Headquarters
Carmichael Hall Room 141
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47303
MFA HEADQUARTERS 877-643-6043
The Atrium in the Art and Journalism Building
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
daily Friday, June 17- Saturday, June 25
For emergencies after 10:00 p.m., call the above number anda night-time, emergency phone number will be given.
ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY:
CALL 911 BSU
Police Department: 765.285.1111
Please note that MFA Headquarters is a working office during the week. Parents, please refrain from calling simply to leave a message for your child because you haven’t heard from him/her. If you wish to speak with your child during the week, plan your calling schedule before your child leaves home. Operator assisted phone calls,which require a phone card or a credit card number, MAY be made from the phones in the public area or lobby of your students’ dormitory.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?’
Souvenirs
Our souvenir display will be open during the week so that you may make your selections. You may want to buy your souvenirs early in the week to ensure your clothing size is not sold out.
CAMPUS MAP APP FOR IPHONE
DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE!
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERAn Educational Resource Center, sponsored by Muncie Music, will also be available at the Summer Symposium. The Center will have books and printed materials available for sale that have been published by many of the clinicians with whom you will be studying.
