My experience playing percussion in the Concert Band Division was amazing. I was very fortunate to learn from a lot of great directors and guest clinicians.
The Concert Band Camp at the Bands of America Summer Camp offers a week-long, immersive camp experience for middle and high school band students. Students will spend a fun and inspiring week with renowned teachers, exciting artists, and fellow campers from across the country. Designed from the ground up with the band student in mind, students will grow as both musicians and individuals. Their experience will be positively life-changing!
June 21-23, 2025 – Leadership Weekend
June 23-28, 2025 – Full Week Symposium
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Full Rehearsals – Under the direction of a nationally-renowned conductor, campers from diverse backgrounds and regions work together in full band rehearsals to explore a variety of musical styles and refine their ensemble skills, all within a positive and supportive atmosphere.
Sectionals – In focused sessions, campers work closely with SWAG team members and faculty to tackle challenging passages and polish technical details in their music.
Masterclasses – Led by Yamaha Master Artists, these sessions go beyond the rehearsal to focus on topics like tone production, effective practice techniques, and instrument-specific strategies. Campers gain fresh perspectives to elevate their playing.
Immersive Leadership Activities – Through interactive activities led by the Bands of America Leadership faculty, campers learn to enhance their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while bonding with fellow musicians.
With student-focused faculty like Corey Graves (MS band conductor) and Melissa Gustafson-Hinds (HS band conductor), campers will enjoy personalized growth while diving deep into the activity they love – playing in band! The range of activities, depth of curriculum, and nationally-recognized faculty make the Concert Band Division a place for band students of all levels and abilities to learn and grow, bringing their own performance to the next level.
Concert Band: Percussion students in the Middle School and High School Concert Band divisions will kick off their camp experience with a percussion-focused program before joining the concert band ensembles. During the first three days, they’ll dive into masterclasses, clinics, and sectionals, participate in percussion ensembles, and collaborate with the Marching Percussion division. A standout experience includes learning from the front ensemble and battery sections from the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps. Students will also enjoy leadership and social activities alongside their fellow concert band participants. This unique hybrid camp combines the best of both worlds! Last year, highlights included hands-on sessions with drum set and serto drums—an experience students are still raving about.
Marching Percussion: If students are interested, we also offer the Marching Percussion division for high school students playing marching snare, tenor, and bass drum. In addition to spending time with the concert band percussionists and Carolina Crown’s drumline and front ensemble, these students will focus on marching and movement throughout the week. Although their time will overlap for certain sessions, students much choose either concert band or marching percussion. At this time we do not offer a division for marching band front ensemble.
Percussion Instructors, Specialists and Educators: We have something for you too! Take your percussion teaching to the next level with the Percussion Specialist Academy! Led by top percussion experts, this immersive 3-day or full-week program offers hands-on instruction, interactive sessions, and valuable networking opportunities—all at affordable pricing. Topics include arranging, tuning, fundamentals, recruiting, teaching techniques, and the latest in electronics and technology. Learn to wire a front ensemble, program mixers, use effects, and master performance software like Mainstage and Ableton. Propel your ensembles to new heights—this is percussion education redefined!
Experts
With guidance from world-class educators like Melissa Gustavson-Hinds (High School Ensemble Conductor) and Corey Graves (Middle School Ensemble Conductor), we offer great programming and a curriculum designed for all experience levels. From sectionals 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 in concert for your family at the end of the week. 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.
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!
My experience playing percussion in the Concert Band Division was amazing. I was very fortunate to learn from a lot of great directors and guest clinicians.
I learned a lot and I can see refinement in my technique. Overall, my musicianship has improved. I had a great time. The nightly performances were amazing as well.
It’s a great place to become a better musician while also forming long-term relationships that would otherwise not be possible.
I learned instruments I otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play and learned different techniques for equipment maintenance too.
The concert percussion experience was invaluable to me as a musician. I will definitely be coming back for more and I will absolutely share my experience with my classmates.
This camp far exceeds expectations. You meet new people, everyone is kind, and you learn how to be a better person.
Besides the lessons you learn from conductors, you also learn life lessons and that might be the biggest takeaway from this camp.
The BOA Summer Camp is an opportunity that’s unlike any other. You spend time with people who love band as much as you and you have the opportunity to learn and grow from those around you.
This camp teaches great techniques to young performing artists. i would recommend it for everyone wanting to get better not just at an instrument, but at leadership, friendliness, and musicianship.
I didn’t really know what to expect, but I can tell you I am in no way disappointed! All the speakers were knowledgeable, and you could tell they cared about each one of us.
I met people and made friends I would’ve never had the chance to without the BOA Summer Camp. A worthy investment for any and every band!
BOA Summer Camp is a great opportunity for any kind of musician! The experience I got from the concerts and learning from extremely skilled experts is something I will never forget.
I came alone from my school, and I usually struggle making friends, but I found many friends at this camp from so many divisions.
I would definitely recommend to musicians of any type and level. There’s always a place for you here.
I think that you should definitely go to this camp. I learned so much from it and it has influenced me for the better.
I had a great experience with all the people and staff. I felt so included and I made many friends. Come and make as many friends as you can, it will be so worth it.
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will absolutely change YOUR life for the better, as well as the ones around you in the other camp divisions.
This is a place where you have to step outside of your comfort zone to not be only good, but great at the skills that you learn from this experience.