Participant Portal

• You need to have your registration ID from your confirmation email to modify an existing registration. Modify Your Registration
  You can also email camp@musicforall.org and we can modify your registration.
• CHANGE FEES: A change fee will apply to any of the following adjustments made to an existing registration after June 10:
  • Roommate changes
  • Housing date changes
  • Late submission of Program-Sponsored Registration (TBA) student names from directors

• CANCELLATIONS:
  Before June 1: $250 non-refundable deposit retained and remaining fees refunded
  After June 1: Non-refundable; all monies paid are retained
• LATE FEES: Registrations or payments submitted after June 1 will incur a $75 late fee.
• CHANGE FEES: A change fee will apply to any of the following adjustments made to an existing registration after June 10:
  • Roommate changes
  • Housing date changes
  • Late submission of Program-Sponsored Registration (TBA) student names from directors

• LOCATION: Park Hall Multi-Purpose Room
• HOURS: June 20-28, 7:00am – 8:00pm EST daily, Exception: Closing at Noon on June 28
• CALL: BOA Summer Camp Hotline:  877.643.6043

• EMERGENCY CONTACT: In the event of an emergency, Music for All will contact the “Emergency Contact” listed in your student’s UltraCamp registration. Please ensure that the phone numbers and email addresses provided are the most reliable.
• ISSUES: If a student has an issue, they should speak with a SWAG first. The SWAG will then communicate with camp nurses or Camp staff. Parents/Guardian will be contacted if necessary. To ensure timely help, students should not contact parents before involving camp staff.
• CALL: BOA Summer Camp Hotline: 877.643.6043
• POLICE: Ball State University Police Department: 765.385.1111

• HEALTH: Music for All prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of all campers. An on-site team of medical professionals assess and care for students who are become sick or injured while at camp. For further care, students are transported with official supervision to a local urgent care facility or the emergency room, if needed.
• COUNSELORS: The SWAG team serves as counselors, mentors, and role models. These individuals, selected through a rigorous application process, include college students, young professionals, and alumni of the Bands of America Summer Camp. All SWAGs undergo a background check and participate in on-site training, which includes ethics, behavior standards, and collaboration with the camp medical team.
• ATTENDANCE: Your child’s safety is our utmost priority. Campers are required to attend all scheduled classes, meals, concerts, and nightly floor meetings, where attendance is closely monitored to ensure accountability and engagement.

MEAL CARDS

• All participants will receive a meal card for use in the dining gall during scheduled mealtimes.
• Meal cards are preloaded with a set amount of money for each meal period. You may only swipe your meal card once per mealtime.
  • Breakfast: $5.75
  • Lunch: $9.45
  • Dinner: $9.45
  • The amount of money loaded onto the meal card will purchase an adequate meal (entree with side and a drink).
• Meals cards are loaded with enough money to include lunch on the first day of your registration
  • Early Arrivals receive dinner and breakfast vouchers upon dorm check-in.
  • Participants that choose to purchase additional “a la carte” items beyond the amount of money allotted for that meal will be allowed to do so by paying with their personal credit/debit card or cash.

LOCATION: All meals are in North Dining or The Tally, per the schedule. Food is served at stations and is bought “a la carte.”

LOST MEAL CARDS

• If a meal card is lost or stolen, campers will be charged $5 for a replacement meal card.
• Campers must find a SWAG to fill out an acknowledgement of responsibility for the charge. Please be sure your child is aware of this policy.
• If your child does not have the necessary funds with them (cash, check, or credit card), we will contact their parent(s) or guardian(s) for payment.

ALLERGIES: Participants with food allergies must self-identify at mealtimes. North Dining hall has a specific Allergy-Free station for campers who need special accommodations. Should students have any questions during camp, they may talk to their SWAG, a camp nurse, or a Ball State University Dining staff member. Food allergies should have been submitted in each student’s medical information on their initial camp registration. Please email any changes or updates to camp@musicforall.org.

Director Academy Participants

• You may choose to eat at any of the dining establishments on campus during the week. Tuesday through Friday, a special Director’s Academy lunch will be offered in the Noyer Dining Hall.

Note: Dorm rooms do not have refrigerators. Please only bring snacks that do not require refrigeration.

• ROOMMATE REQUESTS: Students may request roommates, and requests will be honored if both parties have the same arrival and departure dates and request each other. If you would like to request a roommate, email camp@musicforall.org. Please send requests by June 10.
• ASSIGNMENTS: Housing Assignments and dorm placements will be emailed to campers and parents one week before the start of camp.
• LOST ROOM KEYS:
• Campers will receive a key, which will allow them access to their dorm for the duration of camp. If their key is lost or stolen, campers will be charged $60 for a new room key.
• Campers must find a SWAG (camp counselor) to fill out an acknowledgement of responsibility for the charge. Please be sure your child is aware of this policy.
• If your child does not have the necessary funds with them (cash, check, or credit card), we will contact their parent(s) or guardian(s) for payment.

• Music for All offers a safe and convenient shuttle service between the Indianapolis International Airport and Ball State University for campers flying to the Bands of America Summer Camp. To ensure the safety of all minors, no student is ever left alone with a driver.
• Please plan your student’s flights to allow for travel time to Muncie, Indiana.
  For example, if a flight lands at 9:00 a.m., students will likely arrive on campus no earlier than 11:00 a.m. after collecting luggage, boarding the shuttle, and traveling to the university.
• The cost is $57.50 for a one-way ride or $115 roundtrip.
• To book a shuttle, log in to your UltraCamp account, click on your student’s name, expand the “My Forms” section, and select “Complete a New Form.” Choose the Air Travel Information Form that matches your shuttle reservation, complete it fully, and submit.
• Shuttle details will be emailed to you the week before camp.

Vist the Packing List page!

Download the camp app, Guidebook, in the App Store.
Enter the passphrase boacamp2025 to view the schedule.

The official camp schedule will be available by June 10.

• Campers can receive mail.
• Camp staff will deliver all mail directly to the camper’s room within their residence hall.
  Important Note: Ball State receives several large shipments of mail per day, so a package may not be received until the day after it arrives on campus.
• All mail must arrive on campus by Wednesday, June 25 to ensure timely delivery on campus.

Mailing Address:
Atten: STUDENT NAME
C/O Bands of America Summer Camp
Ball State University
University Dining Services
North Dining ND 252
Muncie, IN 47306

If you plan to ship any instruments or additional equipment to the Bands of America Summer Camp, please notify Music for All by emailing camp@musicforall.org. Time your shipping so that your items arrive after Tuesday, June 17, but before Friday, June 20. All items arriving on campus on Friday, June 20 will be delivered to campers on Monday, June 23.

Music for All will try to accommodate equipment needs on a case-by-case basis. Contact camp@musicforall.org as early as possible with requests.

• Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and evening events. Attendance will be taken as each class starts and the nightly floor meeting in your dorm. If you are not present and are not with a nurse, an immediate search of the campus will commence.
• You are expected to follow the rules and timelines regarding appropriate behavior, room assignments, and curfews.
• All medication must be registered with the camp nurse during the check-in process.
• Every Music for All Event observes a TOBACCO FREE policy. Tobacco includes but is not limited to cigarettes, vape pens, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and chewing tobacco are not to be consumed or possessed by any student camper throughout the duration of camp.
• The possession or use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and will result in immediate dismissal at the student/family’s expense.
• You may not leave campus for any reason without having made prior, specific arrangements with the Music for All Staff.
• Students (other than commuters) that drive to Ball State University must turn in their keys at Check-In and will not be allowed to drive anywhere during their stay.
• Campers assume all financial responsibility for damage occurring in a campus building or on campus grounds due to their own negligence.
• Cell phones must be silenced during rehearsals, concerts, and performances.
• Visitors and/or guests not associated with the Bands of America Summer Camp are not permitted in the dormitories.

UNIVERSITY HOUSING POLICIES

• No open flames.
• Doors should not be propped open.
• Lofted furniture should remain lofted and should not block access to any windows or doors.
• Furniture should not be dismantled or removed from its designated space.
• Campers are responsible for disposal of their trash. Trash and recycling rooms are located on every floor.
• Markings or postings on exterior surfaces of residence halls and complexes are prohibited; this includes writing messages on sidewalks using chalk or tape.
• Campers may only post items or messages on the provided bulletin board affixed to their door.
• Campers are held financially responsible for any property damage resulting from the violation of any of the above policies or general negligence.

Prohibited Items

• Rollerblades
• Skateboards
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Scooters
• Bicycles
• Illegal Drugs
• Coffee Makers
• Weapons (non-performance)

Any infraction of the above rules could result in early dismissal from camp. Parents will be responsible for transportation costs if a child is dismissed early from camp.

While on campus, Music for All maintains lost and found items in our headquarters. If you notice an item has been lost or left behind after departing Ball State, please call the Music for All office at 800.848.2263 or email us at camp@musicforall.org to inquire about lost items.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page!

• An additional night of housing is available for campers that must arrive to campus the night before registration
• Early arrival is available on both Friday, June 20 before Leadership Weekend AND Sunday, June 22 before the full camp week
  • Early Arrival check-in time is from 8:00am to 11:00pm at your designated residence hall
    • If you expect to arrive after 11:00pm, please call the Camp Hotline at 877.643.6043
• Participants arriving early will receive 2 meal vouchers at dorm check-in
• These will be used for dinner and breakfast prior to opening session (Friday/Saturday for Leadership Weekend and Sunday/Monday for Weeklong Camp)
• Please note that the dining area closes at 9:00pm, we suggest planning to enter the North Dining Hall by 8:30pm. Building hours will be provided at the dorms
• If you have not indicated you need early arrival on your registration, you may do so by emailing camp@musicforall.org.

• LOCATION: Student Recreation and Wellness Center in the 5-Court Gym (1700 W Neely Ave, Muncie, IN 47306).
• HOURS:
  Leadership Weekend: Saturday, June 21: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  Full Camp Week: Monday, June 23: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  Any campers who arrive outside of registration times should report straight to Camp Headquarters located in Park Hall Multi-Purpose Room. If you know in advance that you are going to be arriving late, please email camp@musicforall.org.

• Campers will pick up their credentials and meal cards. Nurses will also be on site for medication drop-off.
• Parking will be available directly outside the Student Recreation and Wellness Center door and alongside Worthen Arena
• OPENING SESSION:
  Leadership Weekend: Saturday, June 21: 12:00pm in Pruis Hall
  Full Camp Week: Monday, June 23: 1:00 p.m. in Emens Auditorium
  Please bring all necessary equipment with you to the Opening Session and check the Guidebook for details about your next activity and location.

If a camper must depart early any day/time before their final performance on Saturday, June 28, an Early Departure Form must be completed by the student’s parent/guardian prior to arriving at camp. The early departure form can be found here.

• Opening and Parent Welcome Session – Monday, June 23 – Emens Auditorium
• Parents are invited to attend the student Opening Session at 1:00pm
• An optional Parent Welcome Session with Music for All’s leadership expert, Bobby Lambert, will immediately follow at 2:00pm.
• Parent Session and Breakfast – Saturday, June 28
• Parents are invited to attend a complimentary breakfast with their camper on Saturday, June 28, followed by a special presentation at 9:30am about your child’s experience at the Bands of America Summer Camp.
• Breakfast is available from 7:30am to 9:00am in the North Dining Hall with the Parent Session to follow at your students Final Performance area.
• While the breakfast and session are geared toward parents, all family members are welcome.
• Access the Parent Breakfast form here.
• The 2025 Bands of America Concert Series
• One of the most unforgettable parts of the BOA Summer Camp experience is our epic nightly concert series—a crowd favorite every year! Campers get up close with top touring artists, including Fred Armisen—a renowned comedian and gifted musician. And to close out the week? Drum Corps International’s Tour Preview delivers an exclusive showcase featuring extended performances from some of the nation’s top drum corps. For more information, please visit https://camp.musicforall.org/concerts/.

• Marching Band
• Sheet music for marching band will be available in June.
• Richard Saucedo’s arrangement of the National Anthem must be learned and memorized prior to your arrival at camp.
• Carolina Crown music does not have to be memorized but should be worked on as much as possible. If more than one part is written for your instrument, please practice the part that you are most comfortable with.
• Marching Band Placement Hearings will occur during the first Marching Band session on Monday. Students will play excerpts from the music for the instructors, and based upon ability and how well they know the music, will be split into parts to balance the ensemble.
• Access music here.
• Marching Percussion
• There are no formal placement hearings for Marching Percussion; however, students should prepare short excerpts showcasing their abilities to play for faculty. Students may be placed by camp faculty into skill-based groups periodically during the week.
• For more information, please visit the Percussion google drive here.
• Color Guard
• Because guard members are trained differently around the country, our staff will need to see a placement performance to place each camper in the appropriate class. A special master class will be offered to students who show strong mastery of skills in all three pieces of equipment while incorporating movement and performance qualities. All evaluations will be held on Monday, June 23.
• Flag, Rifle, Sabre Classes
• Evaluations will be held between 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Monday morning. The location will be given at registration.
• For the students who cannot make the 9:30-11:30 audition, someone on the faculty will conduct an audition evaluation when the student arrives to their first spinning session.
• Prepare a variety of spins, tosses, and a simple 16-24 count equipment segment without music that showcases your experience level in guard. A favorite phrase from fall or winter or an original creation is acceptable.
• There will NOT be a separate movement evaluation for flag, rifle, and sabre classes. Please showcase movement skills within the equipment evaluation phrase.
• Master Class Information
• Master class evaluations will be held at 10:00 a.m. and will end at noon. This will be a group evaluation, so please arrive on time. If warm-up time is needed, arrive by 9:30 a.m. The location will be given at registration.
• At the master class evaluation, students will be asked to demonstrate a variety of tosses on rifle, sabre, and flag. Students should be prepared to demonstrate a solid 5 and 6 on both weapons, and 45 tosses on flag. They may also be taught a short rifle and sabre phrase (with choreography) and, if needed, a movement phrase. There will be no choreography to learn ahead of time. The master class will accept up to 30 students.
• If students are not accepted into the master class, they can choose a flag, rifle, or sabre class to join.
• Concert Band
• There are no formal placement hearings for Middle School or High School Concert Band; however, students can prepare a short etude showcasing their abilities to be considered for playing solos or first part. To access the etudes, please visit the Concert Band google drive (link coming soon).

Saturday, June 28, 2025

7:30-9:00 a.m. Parent Breakfast – North Dining Hall
Parents who signed up for the free Parent Breakfast courtesy of Ball State University may eat in the North Dining Hall (where students also have breakfast). Access the Parent Breakfast form here.

9:30 a.m. Parent Meeting – “Now What?”
Join us for a pre-concert session for parents to give you insight on what your child has been experiencing this week and what you might discover with your child back at home.

10:00-11:30 a.m. Student Performances (see list below for order)

Sursa Hall, BSU

• Music Production Boot Camp*
• Middle School Concert Band
• High School Concert Band

Mapped Location – Sursa Hall

*Music Production Boot Camp students, faculty, parents, and families will be directed to a location in the same building for their final session.

Worthen Arena, BSU

• Marching Band
• Color Guard
• Marching Percussion
• Drum Majors

Mapped Location – Worthen Arena

Check Out – For All Campers
Check out is directly with camper’s dorm. Collect luggage and safe travels home!

• Leave all linen in rooms and all doors unlocked and carry any trash from your room to trash bins located on each floor
• Return your room key and meal card to the dorm front desk. If the dorm’s front desk is not open, a key drop box will be available
• Any missing or damaged university property will be charged to the camper

• Time: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  

• • Students arriving on shuttles after 11:00 p.m. will be met by a MFA Staff member in the lobby. 

• Location: your assigned residence hall 

• A Ball State University representative will meet you in the dorm lobby to give you your room key.  

• 5:00-10:00 p.m.: MFA Staff will be at the dorms to supervise lawn games in the outdoor grassy common area between the dorms. 

• • You must check in with MFA staff in the lobby of your dorm to receive your meal vouchers. 

• 7:00 p.m.: An outdoor movie will be shown. 

• All students that have already checked in must report to the common space by 7:00 p.m. for attendance. 

• 10:30 p.m. – Students should be in their rooms for floor meetings with the SWAGs.

• 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Dinner will be available in North Dining Hall.  

• • You must check in with MFA staff in the lobby of your dorm to receive your meal vouchers. 

• • The dining area closes at 9:00 p.m., we suggest planning to enter the North Dining Hall by 8:30 p.m.  

• Saturday, June 21 – 7:00 a.m.: Breakfast Opens in North Dining Hall.  

• • You must check in with MFA staff in the lobby of your dorm to receive your meal vouchers. 

• Leadership Weekend Registration occurs between 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center in the 5-Court Gym. 

• Registration will take approximately 30 minutes, so early check-in is recommended.  

• Registration is REQUIRED. Here you will receive your name badge, wristband and meal card for the week.  

• Lunch is included for all Leadership weekend participants. You should use your meal card to purchase lunch at North Dining Hall.  

• The Opening Session for Leadership Weekend Experience will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. in Pruis Hall.   

• Time: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  

• • Students arriving on shuttles after 11:00 p.m. will be met by a MFA Staff member in the lobby. 

• Location: your assigned residence hall 

• A Ball State University representative will meet you in the dorm lobby to give you your room key.  

• 5:00-10:00 p.m.: MFA Staff will be at the dorms to supervise lawn games in the outdoor grassy common area between the dorms. 

• • You must check in with MFA staff in the lobby of your dorm to receive your meal vouchers. 

• 6:00 p.m.: An outdoor “double feature” movie will begin. 

• All students that have already checked in must report to the common space by 7:00 p.m. for attendance. 

• 10:30 p.m. – Students should be in their rooms for floor meetings with the SWAGs.

• 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Dinner will be available in North Dining Hall.  

• • You must check in with MFA staff in the lobby of your dorm to receive your meal vouchers. 

• • The dining area closes at 9:00 p.m., we suggest planning to enter the North Dining Hall by 8:30 p.m.  

• Monday, June 23 – 7:00 a.m.: Breakfast Opens in North Dining Hall.  

• • You must check in with MFA staff in the lobby of your dorm to receive your meal vouchers. 

• Camp Registration occurs between 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center in the 5-Court Gym. 

• Registration will take approximately 30 minutes, so early check-in is recommended.  

• Registration is REQUIRED. Here you will receive your name badge, wristband, and meal card for the week.  

• Lunch is included for all camp participants. You should use your meal card to purchase lunch at North Dining Hall.  

• The Opening Session for the Bands of America Summer Camp will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. in Emens Auditorium.   

• You will go directly to your division’s first rehearsal/meeting immediately following the Opening Session.  Bring your instrument or equipment to Opening Session. 

• Director’s Academy campers can participate in the Directors Concert Band during camp. While the ensembles won’t have an official performance, it is a fun way for directors to play in an ensemble during the week.
• We recommend bringing your personal instruments, though we will have a select number available to borrow if necessary.
• If you plan on participating in the ensemble, please fill out the online form. The form can be found here.

• Students are required to stay on campus during their entire stay. Even though you may have brought your students to BSU, once they arrive, they are under the supervision of Music for All.
• Please enforce the rules and timelines regarding your students’ room assignments, curfew, lights out, if necessary.
• Both campers and Director Academy participants assume responsibility for any room damage during your stay and will be billed accordingly.
• Campers are also responsible for any damage to other areas/buildings directly caused by them.

Music for All and Bands of America has been providing professional development for 50 years. We know that the most influential element in the success of students is a qualified, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher.

Led by Dr. Nola Jones and a renowned faculty, the Sweetwater Director Academy presented by Yamaha is recognized as one of the finest and most comprehensive professional development experiences available. Our curriculum offers multiple opportunities to fit your schedule and area of expertise.

VanderCook College of Music offers participants the opportunity to earn graduate credit by attending clinic sessions and concerts followed by the submission of session reports that include the following:

• Upload scans of handouts, concert programs, or share session links to the MECA office.
• Develop written summary outlines of each session.
• Write personal reflection essay reports (2-3 pages) of each session.
• Course Codes:
• 1 credit – $180 – 6445B
• 2 credits – $360 – 6635B

Registration and full in person attendance is required.

Click here to register: https://www.vandercook.edu/meca-su25-off-campus-bands-of-america-summer-camp/

• This year the Sweetwater Director Academy is offering a three session Yamaha Harmony Director Intensive. Each session will build on skills discussed to further develop the director’s ability to use the technology to its fullest.
• The lab will include a 14 Harmony director lab for sessions to use. Since there is a limit to the number of workstations please let us know if you are interested in these sessions by emailing camp@musicforall.org.

Hello and greetings from your friends at Yamaha!

Congratulations on deciding to attend the 2025 Bands of America Summer Camp presented by Yamaha. We are confident that you, as well as teachers and students from all over the country, will benefit greatly from this decision. Music teachers and music students matter greatly to us at Yamaha, and I could never express how much we appreciate your work and determination. My colleagues and I are excited to spend time with you during the Symposium. This event is one of the high points of the year for us, and we enjoy seeing it grow year after year.

Please plan on attending the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Concert on Monday night, June 23^rd. You will enjoy a beautiful mix of classical and jazz music performed by some of the brightest, emerging collegiate musicians in the country. This year, our featured Yamaha Performing Artist is internationally renowned Trombonist Michael Dease! We’re thrilled to have him with us.

The YYPA program has helped launch the careers of many other noteworthy musicians such as Leelanee Sterrett (French Horn, N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra), Stephen Page (Associate Professor of Saxophone and Director of Undergraduate Studies, The University of Texas at Austin), and Jasmine Choi, world renowned Flutist.

Everyone at Yamaha wishes you safe travels and we offer our most sincere gratitude for being part of this incredible event. We want to affirm our commitment to MFA, to you, and to music education. Let’s do this!!!

Musically Yours,
John Wittmann
Associate Vice President
Yamaha Artist Relations Group
Yamaha Corporation of America

View Letter as PDF

The information below is for Directors participating in the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp. 

EARLY ARRIVAL DORM CHECK-IN 

• Time: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  

• Location: your assigned residence hall 

• A Ball State University representative will meet you in the dorm lobby to give you your room key.  

• You will have an envelope with your name on it at the dorm desk that contains your meal vouchers. If it is not given to you, please ask the RA for it.  

EARLY ARRIVAL MEALS 

• 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Dinner will be available in North Dining Hall.  

• You will have an envelope with your name on it at the dorm desk that contains your meal vouchers. If it is not given to you, please ask the RA for it.  

• The dining area closes at 9:00 p.m., we suggest planning to enter the North Dining Hall by 8:30 p.m.  

• Saturday, June 21 – 7:00 a.m.: Breakfast Opens in North Dining Hall.  

• You will have an envelope with your name on it at the dorm desk that contains your meal vouchers. If it is not given to you, please ask the RA for it.  

 MONDAY JUNE 23 – CAMP WEEK REGISTRATION   

• Camp Registration occurs between 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center in the 5-Court Gym. 

• Registration will take approximately 30 minutes, so early check-in is recommended.  

• Registration is REQUIRED. Here you will receive your name badge, wristband, and meal card for the week.  

• Lunch is included for all camp participants. You should use your meal card to purchase lunch at North Dining Hall.  

• The Opening Session for the Bands of America Summer Camp will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. in Emens Auditorium.   

You will go directly to your division’s first rehearsal/meeting immediately following the Opening Session.  Bring your instrument or equipment to Opening Session.