What To Bring To Camp

June weather in Indiana is often unpredictable. Historical averages for this area range from 60°F-90°F and often include high humidity. Please keep that in mind when packing for camp.

All Ball State University Residence Halls will have air conditioning for the duration of camp. The rooms tend to be a bit cool at night, so plan accordingly. Also, please make sure all of your belongings are clearly marked with your name, address, and school.

All students, regardless of division, should bring the following items. Please also be sure to scroll down to read your Division-Specific packing lists below!

  • Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes for walking around campus
  • Light jacket/sweatshirt for cool weather
  • Rain gear for inclement weather
  • SUNSCREEN
  • Sunglasses/hat
  • Water bottle
  • Personal toiletries
  • Alarm clock
  • Pens/pencils and notebook
  • Backpack
  • Towels, washcloth, blanket (sheets, pillow & pillowcases are provided)

Director’s Track Only:

  • Laptop, software, drill and music arrangements
  • Instruments and accessories to participate in the Director’s Jazz or Concert Band ensembles

Due to the large number of camp participants, please make sure all of your belongings are marked with your name, address, and school.

Prohibited Items:

The following items will be confiscated by Music for All and will NOT returned:

  • Rollerblades
  • Skateboards
  • Scooters
  • Coffee Makers
  • Bicycles
  • Non-performance weapons of any type, such as pocket knives/swiss army knives, etc.

Ball State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. The use of any form of tobacco, vape, e-cigarette, or juul is strictly prohibited in all residence halls, dining halls, parking structures, and outdoor ares.

Division Specific Packing Lists

Color Guard
  • Athletic shorts and T-shirts/tops (NO halter or tube tops, boxer/spandex/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 bring TWO 1” carriage bolts (found at local hardware store, 1-2” in length) to weight your flagpole. Flagpoles need to be weighted, as students WILL BE tossing throughout the week. If poles are already properly weighted, please bring extras.
  • It is recommended that all students bring white and black electrical tape in case of any needed repairs.

Final Performance Attire

  • Dark shorts (black, dark gray, dark blue)
  • Athletic shoes
  • DSI T-shirt (provided)
Concert Band
  • Your instrument and 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. should you need to purchase supplies.
  • Comfortable attire (shorts, jeans, and shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day

Final Performance Attire

Women:

  • Long black skirt (below the knee) or slacks
  • White blouse
  • Black socks
  • Black, closed toe shoes

Men:

  • Black pants
  • White dress shirt
  • Dark colored tie
  • Black socks
  • Black shoes.
Drum Major Institute
  • 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
  • Khaki shorts for Final Performance

Final Performance Attire

  • Khaki shorts
  • Athletic shoes
  • Camp t-shirt that will be provided
  • *Hats, sunglasses, or jewelry may NOT be worn for the performance.
Jazz Band
  • Instrument 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. should you need to purchase supplies.
  • Comfortable attire (shorts, jeans & shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day. • Amplifiers will be provided for guitar and bass students. However, guitar and bass students should bring a cable to connect their instrument to the amplifiers. The Muncie Music Center will be on campus should you need to purchase one.
  • JAZZ DRUM SET STUDENTS: A drum set will be provided, but bring your own sticks, brushes, a practice pad, HI-HAT CLUTCH, and cymbals if possible (Hi-hat, Crash, Ride).

Final Performance Attire

  • Blue jeans
  • White button-down shirt
  • Dark colored tie for men
  • Black socks
  • Black, closed-toe shoes.
Leadership Weekend Experience
  • Students will NOT need their instruments for Leadership Weekend
  • 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
Marching Band
  • 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.
  • Khaki shorts for DCI Show Performance and Final Performance

Final Performance Attire

  • Each student should wear khaki shorts
  • Athletic shoes
  • White Fred J. Miller T-shirt (provided) 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.
Middle School Concert Band
  • Your instrument and fold up music stand marked with your name, address and school. Percussionists will only need to bring a stick bag with snare drum sticks, timpani mallets, and keyboard mallets.
  • Any necessary supplies or accessories, such as reeds, neck straps, valve oil, etc. Muncie Music Center will be on campus during the week should you need to purchase supplies.
  • Comfortable attire – shorts, jeans & t-shirts – are appropriate for the Camp week. Please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day (no clothing with inappropriate/offensive language)
  • Middle School campers will wear their issued Summer Symposium t-shirts as a “uniform” throughout the week. Each student will receive two t-shirts at registration and camp staff will launder the students’ shirts every other day.

Final Performance Attire

  • Summer Symposium t-shirt (provided)
  • Full-length, black dress pants (no leggings, please)
  • Black socks and dress shoes
Music Production Boot Camp
  • 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.

Final Performance Attire

  • Blue jeans
  • Black, collared shirt (polo or button-down shirt)
  • Black socks
  • Black, closed-toe shoes.
Orchestra
  • 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 extra strings.
  • Cello/Bass Students: bring your rock stops
  • Comfortable attire (shorts, jeans, and shirts): please note that you will be in air conditioning for the majority of your day.

Final Performance Attire

Women:

  • Long black skirt (below the knee) or slacks
  • White blouse
  • black socks
  • black, closed-toe shoes

Men:

  • Black pants
  • White dress shirt
  • Black socks
  • Black shoes
Symphonic Percussion
  • Concert sticks, keyboard mallets for orchestra bells, xylophone, vibes, marimba and timpani mallets
  • Practice pad
  • Hand towel for a stand cover
  • A tuning key
  • Please bring the following as able or borrow from your school: Tambourine, Triangle with clip, Beater(s), Woodblock
  • Label ALL items with your name, address, and school

Final Performance Attire

“All black”

  • Solid black button down shirt, polo or blouse
  • Black pants
  • Black socks
  • Black, closed-toe shoes
Marching Percussion
  • 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

Final Performance Attire

  • Khaki shorts
  • Athletic shoes
  • Zildjian T-shirt (provided) 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.