Dexter Bands

Band Camp is Sunday, July 27 – Friday, August 1, 2025 at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI

Band Camp Coordinators:  Sallee McCleskey and Pete Meloche, dexterbandcamp@gmail.com

Register online by June 11, 2025 (the last day of school)

Cost: $500

Thanks to the Dexter Band Boosters and the generous support of our community, the cost of camp was decreased by $90 for every student!

Please select from one of two payment options:

• Option 1: A one-time payment of $500 due June 13
• Option 2: Two payments, the first payment of $250 by June 13, then $250 will be automatically charged to your account July 11

Payment: All payments for Band Camp are through Eleyo:

Donate Snacks for Camp

If you’re able, please sign up to donate a snack item for each student attending camp.  There will be a designated table at band camp check-in where you can drop off the items.  Please be sure to include all outer packaging so we have the allergen information for each item.  Thank you!

Countdown to Band Camp:

(Rotate phone to view chart)

DAY	DATE	EVENT	TIME	PLACE	NOTES
Monday	June 6	Online Store Opens		dexterprint.com	Order Black Shorts, etc. if needed
Wednesday	June 11	Band Camp Registration Form Deadline		Online Form	See link above
Friday	June 13	Band Camp Payment Due		Online through Eleyo	Pay all or 1st payment
Sunday	June 29	Online Store Closes		dexterprint.com	Deadline to order Dexter Bands gear
TBD	June – July	Squads practice together		TBD	Squad and Section Leaders will communicate to students
Sunday	July 13	Band Camp Handbook Emailed Out		Sent to address given on registration form	Check your inbox or junk folder
Tuesday	July 22	BLT Meeting	9:00 AM – 12:00 PM	DHS Band Room	Squad + Section Leaders, Drum Majors only
Wednesday	July 23	Full Band Rehearsal	1:15 – 3:00 PM	DHS Band Room	All Marching Band
Thursday	July 24	Full Band Rehearsal	1:15 – 3:00 PM	DHS Band Room	All Marching Band
Sunday – Friday	July 27 – August 1	DHS 2025 Band Camp		Hillsdale College	All Marching Band
Friday	August 1	Band Camp Performance	10:30 AM	Muddy Waters Stadium, Hillsdale	Come see the show and pick up your student!

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Band Camp FAQs

The Band Camp Handbook will have most of the information needed for attending camp. The Handbook is sent to you after the final payment deadline has passed.

Q: Why can’t we do a day camp instead of an overnight camp?
A: Having an off-campus band camp requires students to clear their schedules for six days and focus on the task at hand—learning the shows for the upcoming season. Being together 24/7 allows us to get to know each other much better and fosters the espirt de corps that is so vital to having a good marching band. That cannot be duplicated by having a day camp on the school campus. Besides, students have a lot more fun!

Q: What do I need to know about the practices the week before camp?
A: Rehearsals are held at DHS on the Wednesday and Thursday before camp from 1:15 to 3:00 p.m. These times are for music distribution, rehearsal, and basic marching concepts. If your child cannot attend these rehearsals, it does not preclude them from coming to camp. They can pick up their music later. The camp equipment trailer is loaded on Thursday after rehearsal, so if your student plays tuba or percussion, you’ll want to make arrangements to ensure that his/her instrument gets loaded.

Q: How do I know if my child is a squad leader?
A: Students can apply to be rank and squad leaders in May. Final decisions regarding these positions are usually not made until the last week of school in June. Students selected to be squad leaders will be notified by the drum majors and results will be posted on the band website.

Q: What should I do if my child has special food considerations?
A: Lactose intolerant and vegetarian students do not have to worry; there are plenty of appropriate choices on the regular menu at Hillsdale College.  Students with specific allergies, Celiac disease, or anyone following a vegan diet should contact the band camp chairperson so that arrangements can be made.

Q: Can we come down to watch on Friday?
A: Parents are highly encouraged to attend the Friday morning performances at Hillsdale College. You will want to be seated 15 minutes prior to performance time. Directions are in the Band Camp Handbook and a campus map is available on the Hillsdale website: www.hillsdale.edu.

The Band Camp Friday performance uniform (which you will need to source on your own and bring to camp) includes solid black athletic shoes and solid black shorts. A performance / show shirt will be distributed at camp. Students can wear the same black shoes for the entire marching season, so be sure that they are comfortable and provide good support when walking and marching! Cross trainer/running-type shoes are best. Types of shoes like Converse or Vans offer very little arch and heel support, and are discouraged because they can cause injuries.

Q: If the weather is really hot will the kids continue to march?
A: The safety of students is of primary importance to the band directors. When the weather become hot, the daily camp schedule is revised to minimize exposure to the mid-day sun and high temperatures. Students receive water breaks every 20-35 minutes. If temperatures reach 90 degrees, the band director invokes a “No Pop” rule at mealtime and mandatory naps after lunch. Dorms are air-conditioned. Hats are a required at all field rehearsals, and sunscreen is always available.