Director of Bands at Brownsburg H.S., IN, Yamaha 40 Under 40 Educator
Marching Band Division
Our CORE Teaching Principles: Fundamentals, Musicality, Teamwork, Performance
For over 40 years, Bands of America has set the gold standard in marching band and leadership training. In the Marching Band Division, led by Division Coordinator Chris Kaflik and faculty, we empower students with the skills and confidence to lead and perform at the highest level. By building on each student’s unique musical and visual talents, we ensure every camper shines both on and off the field.
June 21-23, 2025 – Leadership Weekend
June 23-28, 2025 – Full Week Symposium
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
A Day in the Marching Band Division
- Fitness – Kickstart your day with energizing warm-ups and stretches to prepare you to rehearse and perform.
- Marching & Movement Fundamentals – Learn cutting-edge marching techniques, body movement, and dance from nationally renowned experts who make every session exciting and interactive.
- Music Fundamentals – Take your playing to the next level with guidance from phenomenal teachers. Working in sectionals, small groups, and large ensembles, you’ll receive personalized feedback to refine your skills.
- Learn Drill – Spend your mornings mastering drill sets for Friday night’s unforgettable performance with Carolina Crown. With tools like the Ultimate Drill Book app, we’ll teach you techniques to excel at learning and cleaning drill, both at camp and with your band back home.
- Immersive Leadership Activities – Grow as a leader through hands-on sessions that build resilience, teamwork, and confidence. These activities will inspire you to lead your band with purpose and creativity.
Differentiated Instruction – We Meet You Where You Are!
No matter your starting point, we’re here to help you grow. Students come to camp from a variety of programs across the country, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re brand new to marching band or come from a highly successful program, this camp will help you level up your marching, movement, and playing skills. Never marched before? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back!
All we ask is that you have at least one year of playing experience, and we’ll take it from there!
Why Choose Bands of America?
Experts
With guidance from world-class educators like Richard Saucedo (composer/conductor) and Jordan Lalama (nationally recognized movement specialist), we offer an advanced curriculum designed for all experience levels. From hands-on marching and music fundamentals to leadership training, we ensure every student leaves camp prepared to take their band’s performance and spirit to new heights.
The Fun Factor
Camp isn’t just about drills and leadership—it’s about creating unforgettable memories! You’ll make lifelong friends, connect with students from across the country, and experience the thrill of performing alongside Carolina Crown. Every day is packed with energy, inspiration, and opportunities to shine.
Note to Parents
We know how much you value your child’s growth, and at Bands of America, they’ll gain skills that extend beyond music—like leadership, discipline, and confidence. With our expert staff, dedicated SWAG team, and a supportive, safe environment, you can trust that your child will thrive while creating memories to last a lifetime.
What Everyone Experiences
Concerts and Events Every Night!
One of the best parts of the Bands of America Summer Camp? Our nightly concert series! Each evening, you’ll get up close with amazing live performances, from rock and jazz to classical and more. It’s a unique chance to see top touring artists and groups, and it’s always a camp favorite! End the week with a drum corps show at the stadium!
Become a Leader!
Spend an epic week surrounded by legendary teachers, inspiring artists, and friends from across the country—and even the world. In a supportive, campus-style vibe, you’ll grow as a musician and discover your leadership potential. Start the week with our Leadership Weekend to dive straight into a week packed with skills, friendships, and experiences that’ll stick with you long after camp ends. Ready for the best summer of your life?
North Dining: Your Campus Food Hub!
Craving variety? North Dining at Ball State has it all. From Starbucks to Chick-fil-A, custom allergen-free meals, BBQ, an all-day breakfast bar, fresh pastries, and even a waffle station! Explore endless options for every taste.
Modern Living in the Heart of Campus!
Located in the lively north neighborhood, our camp residence halls offer state-of-the-art amenities and a prime spot near North Dining. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home with campus essentials just steps away! These are not your parents’ dorm rooms!
2025 Marching Band Faculty
Chris Kaflik
Division Coordinator
Mike Bolla
Director of Bands and Music Department Chair at Center Grove M.S. North, IN, Trombone/Baritone
Chad Brinkman
Andrew Cook
Associate Director of Bands, Carmel H.S., IN
Katrina Fitzpatrick
Band Director at Morton Junior H.S., Flute
Zach Hinson
Band Director, William Mason H.S., OH
Avious Jackson
Instrumental Music Staff for Mason City Schools, Trumpet
Jordan Lalama
Visual Caption Head, Broken Arrow H.S., OK and Brownsburg H.S., IN
Van Matthews
Brittany Mori
Director of Bands at Lost Mountain M.S., GA
Ed Roush
Director of Bands at Hamilton Southeastern H.S., IN, Brass Educational Staff at Santa Clara Vanguard
Richard Saucedo
Retired, Director of Bands and Department Chair for William H. Duke Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel H.S., IN, MFA & DCI Hall of Fame
Dr. Tim Sexton
Associate Director of Bands for Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts, Lead Brass Instructor at Bluecoats
Ralph Stewart
What are students saying about the Marching Band Division?
BOA really lives up to the hype people give it. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to learn more about not only their pathway but also who they really are.
Attending will allow you to build on character, leadership, and content. All while learning from people who are truly the best of the best.
This camp taught me valuable leadership skills at a very high level. I also learned incredible playing and marching/visual technique. I would strongly recommend this camp for all who are able to attend…at any skill level.
The staff are the best in the country, and they show it. Everything is perfected and it is a comfortable environment to learn and grow in. To add, I have made many friends at the camp, many that I will stay in touch with.
The camp was an incredible week where we were able to put together drill in just a week to then march with Carolina Crown!! It was amazing how capable high school marchers are, including myself.
I think that fellow students should attend this camp because during my time there I learned a lot about leadership, how to bond with my section, and how to become a better marcher. I think that everyone should get the experience to work with this world-class staff!
You learn so much and you make so many great friends. I did leadership weekend and the marching band division, and I had so much fun! It was exhausting, but it was so worth it in the end to be able to perform with Carolina Crown.
You forget all about the hard work. I guarantee you will be wishing it was Monday again at the end of the week!
At camp I learned a LOT about leading, friendship, and hard work. I could come here a thousand times and learn something new each and every time I came back.
This camp gives a great experience into learning and memorizing music. It also gives a look into DCI as well as pushing your social barriers, forcing you to make new friends.
I think this is one of the best experiences I have ever had. The leadership weekend gave me so much useful information I can bring back to my band.
Marching with Crown was a lot of fun. It really motivated me to bring all of this to my band and empower my other members.
This camp changed my life. Before I came, I was going into my 6th season of marching band burnt out and unenthusiastic. But after attending, I truly believe I know what it means to serve and lead.
The awe-inspiring instructors changed my mind and my life. All of the SWAG members were friendly and talkative and so cool. Thank you for reinstating my love of band!
