Southeast Missouri State University is delighted to announce our Summer Camp for Middle to High School band students!
Whether you are a drumline, color guard, or inspiring drum major, this summer camp will teach you the skills needed for each section. For drumlines, they will be taught fundamental movement along with other things. Color guard will learn basic choreography and more. SEMO will ensure that drum majors have the qualities of a leader. A fun-packed summer camp is here to help you develop your skills.
Unlike the other two camps, this one does not do auditions.
Drum Major Camp
This camp is designed for students who will be drum majors for their high school marching bands this fall. Our camp covers fundamental conducting techniques, leadership development, basics of teaching, and team building. A demonstration for friends and family will be given on the final session of camp.
Drumline Camp
This camp is designed strictly for marching percussion: snares, bass drums, tenor drums, and cymbals. Students who are entering 8th grade through 2025 seniors are eligible to participate. Our camp covers fundamental playing, fundamental movement, and ensemble playing as a complete line. We will teach you what you need to know! You must bring your instrument, sticks, and carrier.
Color Gaurd Camp
This camp is designed for individual guard members or an entire fall color guard. Students who are entering 8th grade through 2025 seniors are eligible to participate. Our camp covers fundamental flags, rifle, and saber technique, body movement, and basic choreography. We will teach you what you need to know! You must bring your equipment.
Friday, June 7
- 3-5 p.m. Registration
- 5 p.m. Dinner
- 6-9 p.m. Session #1
Saturday, June 8
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. Session #2
- 12 p.m. Lunch
- 1 p.m. Session #3
- 5 p.m. Dinner
- 6 p.m. Session #4
Sunday, June 9
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. Session #5
- 12 p.m. Lunch
- 1 p.m. Session #6
- 4 p.m. Final Demonstration
For students entering into 6th, 7th, or 8th grade with 1-3 years of experience, they will enjoy a fun and music-full summer camp. We ensure a positive environment with a full schedule of engaging activities to keep students safe, learning, and socially connected to their peers. (Fall 9th grade students can choose either middle school or high school camp based on their playing experience.)
Auditions are necessary to place you with other students of similar ability. This allows us to tailor your learning experience to your level. The auditions will happen after the camp meeting on Sunday. Please have fun!
Woodwinds and brass:
Music can come from any source you would like, for example, a method book. You will need two short pieces.
- One should be quicker and rhythmic
- The other should be slower and more legato or smoother.
Percussion:
Two short pieces are required. One on snare drums and the other on bells. Everything but sticks and mallets will be provided. Music can come from any source you like.
The schedule is subject to change.
Sunday
- 10:30-1 p.m. Registration (lunch on your own)
- 1 p.m. Camp Orientation and Assembly
- 2:15-4:15 p.m. Auditions
- 5 p.m. Dinner
- 6:15 p.m. Camp Assembly
- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Band rehearsals and sectionals
- 9 p.m. Dorm/Floor Meetings
Monday - Wednesday
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. Rehearsals/Sectionals/Master Classes
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch
- 12:30 p.m. Rehearsals/Sectionals/Master Classes
- 3:30 p.m. Electives
- 5 p.m. Dinner
- 6 p.m. Evening entertainment/activity
- 10 p.m. Lights Out
Thursday
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. Rehearsals/Sectionals/Master Classes
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch
- 5 p.m. Concerts Begin
Our Summer Camp is a perfect opportunity for those entering 9th grade with at least 3 years of experience. The program is tailored to teach advanced techniques and musical expressions. Keeping students learning and socially connected fosters a fun and engaging learning environment. (Fall 9th grade students can choose either middle school or high school camp based on their playing experience.)
High school band students attending the camp will audition using selected sheet music for woodwinds and brass instruments. Auditions are essential to our program as they help us place you with other students of similar ability. This ensures that you're learning experience is tailored to your level, maximizing your growth and enjoyment. The auditions will take place after the camp meeting on Sunday.
The schedule is subject to change.
Sunday
- 10:30-1 p.m. Registration (lunch on your own)
- 1 p.m. Camp Orientation and Assembly
- 2:15-4:15 p.m. Auditions
- 5 p.m. Dinner
- 6:15 p.m. Camp Assembly
- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Band rehearsals and sectionals
- 9 p.m. Dorm/Floor Meetings
Monday - Wednesday
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. Rehearsals/Sectionals/Master Classes
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch
- 12:30 p.m. Rehearsals/Sectionals/Master Classes
- 3:30 p.m. Electives
- 5 p.m. Dinner
- 6 p.m. Evening entertainment/activity
- 10 p.m. Lights Out
Thursday
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. Rehearsals/Sectionals/Master Classes
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch
- 5 p.m. Concerts Begin
What Do I Need to Know?
We prioritize the supervision and safety of every student at our summer band camp. Our team of camp counselors, certified teachers, and university faculty ensures daily supervision with an excellent counselor-to-student ratio. Additionally, counselors provide nightly supervision in the dorms, during meals, and throughout all indoor and outdoor activities.
Address:
410 S. Fountain Street, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701. There are three large buildings on River Campus. If standing in the parking lot and looking at the buildings, the Dobbins Center is to the left. Registration will be inside the Dobbins Center Lobby. You can’t miss us! We’ll have our counselors outside in red SEMO shirts helping you find your way.
Parking:
During the summer, parking passes are not needed on River Campus, but parking can also be found in the surrounding streets.
Clothing:
School-appropriate clothing will be just fine. Pack expecting to be outside and inside. Some evening activities could include getting wet! Pack accordingly.
Camp Packing List:
You will need several things. A printable list has been made with everything needed. In general, you will need:
- bedding for twin-size beds
- anything that your child needs in the bathroom, such as towels, body wash, and feminine products
- Clothing for everyday use, swimsuits, and formal clothing for the concert
- Cell phones, chargers, and a refillable water bottle
- instruments, pencils, audition music, and anything your instrument might need such as reeds.
- Drum Majors need to bring a notebook, pencil, any scores for half-time shows, and drum major mace if provided.
- Drumline needs to bring a notebook, pencil, and any music or cadences you have.
- Color Guard needs to bring a notebook, pencil, and any equipment you'd like to learn and use.
Do Not Bring:
- Tobacco and/or vape products
- alcohol
- skateboards, rollerblades, roller shoes, or hoverboards
- laser pointers
Theme days if you'd like to participate:
- Sunday - school shirt
- Monday - Hawaiian shirt
- Tuesday - red and black
- Wednesday - Barbie Day
- Thursday - band camp shirt
Sign Up Today!
Ready to learn more about music? Sign up for SEMO's summer camp and let's play together!
Medical Release Forms
When participating in our summer band camp, all students need to complete and submit release forms. These forms ensure we have the necessary permissions and information to provide a safe and enjoyable experience. They cover important aspects such as emergency contacts, medical information, and consent for participation in various activities. Your cooperation in filling out these release forms is greatly appreciated as we prioritize the well-being and security of all campers.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701