Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
The Rising Stars Middle School Band camp is for students who live in and around Rutherford County and just completed their first year of band participation at their school.
When and where is the camp?
The ten-day camp is June 5-9 and June 12-16 at Stewarts Creek Middle School in Smyrna. The camp will be from 8am to 2:45 each day. This is not an overnight camp.
Can my child still participate if he/she has a scheduling conflict with some of the camp dates?
New and valuable material will be presented each day of the camp so it is preferred that students attend for all ten days. However, exceptions can be made under certain circumstances. For questions about scheduling conflicts, contact the camp director.
What will we do?
Most days will consist of full band rehearsals, instrument sectional rehearsals, rehearsals with your instrument family (woodwinds, brass, percussion), and JAMMED activities. One day will consist of a music field trip. We will have a performance on the last day at 3:00 at Stewarts Creek Middle School.
What are JAMMED activities?
JAMMED stands for Jamming Across Musical Minds, Ensembles, and Disciplines. These fun musical enrichment activities are designed to introduce students to different elements of music while giving them a break from playing their regular instruments.
Where are we going for the field trip?
We will travel to musical landmarks in the Nashville area. Trip details for this year are still in the planning stages. In the past, we have travelled to locations like the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame. We will also go to the Smyrna Bowling Center for pizza and fun with our new camp friends.
What additional opportunities are available for percussionists?
In addition to improving their skills on concert band percussion instruments (snare, keyboard, timpani, auxiliary), percussionists will also receive instruction in world percussion and drum set. Percussionists will perform with the camp concert band and have the opportunity to perform in a percussion ensemble.
Who is on the camp faculty?
The camp is under the direction of Andrew Lynn, Band Director at Stewarts Creek Middle School. The staff consists of some of the finest music teachers in the area. Each is a specialist on the instrument he/she will be teaching. All teachers are also middle school band directors or regularly teach private lessons to beginning instrumentalists.
Do I have to audition for the camp?
There is no audition required. In order to participate, students must have completed one-year of instrumental music instruction in a school band. In general, most participants will be entering the sixth or seventh grade in the upcoming school year.
- Instrument, pencil, extra reeds, valve oil, etc.
Percussionists should bring a snare drum and sticks and mallets used in their home band program. - Lunch with a drink and snacks.
- Dress each day is casual summer clothing. The camp t-shirt should be worn on the field trip day and for the final concert.
How much does it cost to participate?
The camp fee covers the cost of instruction, music, t-shirt, supplies, field trip transportation, and pizza and bowling on the trip day. Camp registration is $300. Camp is open to the first 100 students who register.
How do I register for the camp?
All registration must be completed and paid online. The camp fee must be paid in full when you register. After you register, all communication about the camp will be sent by email. Parents will be emailed a medical release form that must be completed, notarized, and mailed to the camp directors before June 1.
What if I have to cancel?
Cancellations received on or before April 1 will result in a cancellation fee of $100.
Cancellations received on or before May 1 will result in a cancellation fee of $200.
Cancellations received on or before May 15 will result in a cancellation fee of $250.
No refunds will be given after May 15 unless the entire event is cancelled by camp administration.