2025 Student Packing List

Please view also the additional packing list items for each division below.

• Comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes for walking around campus
• Sweatshirt or light jacket for cooler weather
• Rain gear for inclement weather (jacket, poncho, or umbrella)
• Personal toiletries (bath soap, tooth brush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Towels and washcloths. Sheets, pillow, pillowcases, and blanket are provided by Ball State Housing
• Sunglasses, hat, water bottle, and SUNSCREEN
• Backpack, a spiral notebook, and pens/pencils
• Attire for final performance (varies by track; see below)
• Beach towel
• Optional: money or debit card for incidental purchases such as souvenirs, snacks, etc. $50-$80 recommended.

The following items are prohibited by Ball State University Housing and Music for All:

• Bikes, scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades
• Small appliances such as coffee makers or mini-fridges
• Inappropriate or offensive clothing

• Athletic shorts and T-shirts/tops (no halter tops, tube tops, boxer shorts, short-shorts, or swimwear)
• Lace-up athletic shoes (two pairs recommended) with proper arch support for all sessions, NO SANDALS ALLOWED
• Warm-up suits/outside dancewear
• Sports bras (to be worn under other tops ONLY)
• Small towel
• Dance shoes (not required; can be used during dance classes)
• Students are required to bring any equipment they wish to spin during the week. They should bring their equipment in a simple equipment or flag bag. Each piece of equipment should be marked with student’s name, address, and school
• Most weapons are acceptable. Rifles must range from 36-39“ and should be taped. White is the preferred color and straps are optional. Sabres vary based on experience, but recommended lengths are in the range of 36-39“. Either metal or plastic hilt will be acceptable 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, even those taking a rifle or sabre class, bring a flagpole (6 feet in height). Students should bring two solid colored silks (NOT show or performance flags) with the following size dimensions: 35’’x 50’’ (min) or 35’’x 60’’ (max). If silks with these dimensions are not available, please try and stay closer to 35”x 50”. One flag will be the primary practice flag for the week and the other will be available to use in case of inclement weather.
• Please have your flag weighted for tossing. If you are unsure how to weight your flag, please bring TWO (2) 1″ carriage bolts (Can be purchased at any hardware store). One bolt should be longer than the other. We can help you weight your flag at camp. If your pole is already weighted properly, you might want to bring extra bolts/weights for any repairs that might need to happen at camp.
• It is recommended that all students bring white and black electrical tape in case of any needed repairs.

FINAL PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Each student should wear dark shorts (black, dark gray, dark blue), athletic shoes, and a t-shirt that will be provided to students during camp.

• Lace-up athletic shoes (two pairs recommended) with proper arch support for all sessions, NO SANDALS ALLOWED
• Your school’s musical score for current/previous year, if available
• Appropriate conducting baton, if desired
• If you wish to have instruction on twirling baton or mace skills, bring a mace or stick equivalent to 44” long

DRUM MAJOR FINAL PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Black shorts (not athletic shorts – no pattern or stripes), athletic shoes, and a t-shirt that will be provided to students during camp. Hats, sunglasses, or jewelry may NOT be worn for the performance.

• Lace-up athletic shoes (two pairs recommended) with proper arch support for all sessions, NO SANDALS ALLOWED
• Your marching instrument and fold-up music stand marked with your name, address, and school.
• A music stand is required of ALL marching band members.
• 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 to purchase supplies.
• Black shorts for DCI Show Performance and Final Performance

FINAL PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Each student should wear all-black shorts (not athletic shorts – no pattern or stripes), athletic shoes, and a t-shirt that will be provided to students during camp for both the performance with Carolina Crown on Friday night and the final performance on Saturday. Hats, sunglasses, or jewelry may NOT be worn for these performances.

• Comfortable attire (shorts, jeans, and shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day.
• Notebooks and writing utensils
• While not required, you are encouraged to bring your laptop to be able to revisit some of the learned concepts on your own time. Fully equipped computer labs are available if you do not bring your own laptop

• Lace-up athletic shoes (two pairs recommended) with proper arch support for all sessions, NO SANDALS ALLOWED
• Instrument & case marked with your name, address and school
• Please bring both a drum stand and carrier if possible
• Sticks/mallets (extra pair if possible) and practice pad
• Tuning key- a high-tension key if you own one
• Hand towel for a stand cover
• White stick tape
• Hearing protection (earplugs)

FINAL PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Each student should wear black shorts (not athletic shorts – no pattern or stripes), athletic shoes, and a t-shirt that will be provided to students during camp for both the performance at the DCI event on Friday night and the final performance on Saturday. Hats, sunglasses, or jewelry may NOT be worn for these performances.

• Suggested Packing List for all Director Academy Attendees
  • Comfortable shoes for walking around campus
  • Light jacket/sweatshirt for cool weather
  • Backpack
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water bottle
  • Laptop, software, drill, and music arrangements
  • Pens/Pencils and notebook/binder
  • Towels, washcloths, blanket (sheets, pillow, and pillowcases provided by BSU Housing)
• Color Guard Instructor Academy
  • Flag, rifle, and/or sabre with you name marked on the equipment
  • One roll of electrical tape and one roll of strapping tape (for rifles – optional) in case there are equipment repairs that are needed
  • Flag instructors should have a weighted flagpole with a height of 6 feet (you will be tossing it)
  • A solid-colored silk flag with the following dimensions: 35”x50” (minimum) and 35”x60” (maximum)
  • Comfortable clothes (shorts & t-shirt), sunglasses/hat, water bottle, sunscreen (you will be outside for most of the day)
  • Athletic shoes with proper arch support for all practices. You may use dance shoes for dance sessions, but they are not required
• Percussion Specialist Academy
  • Laptop, any music notation software and sampling software you currently use
  • Scores, show ideas, and any pageantry or composition project you are currently working on
  • Drumsticks, keyboard mallets, and practice pad