DHS BAND CAMP
Band Camp is Sunday, July 26 – Friday, July 31, 2026 at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI
Band Camp Coordinators: Sallee McCleskey and Pete Meloche, dexterbandcamp@gmail.com
Register online by June 1, 2026
Cost: $600
Payment: All payments for Band Camp are through Eleyo:
We have opened payments earlier this year to allow the cost to be spread over multiple months. Begin payments by April 1, 2026 for the lowest monthly impact.
4 Eleyo Payment Plans:
- 1 Payment in full of $600 by June 1
- 2 Payments of $300 (1st payment due May 1, remaining payment charged June 1)
- 3 Payments of $200 (1st payment due April 1, remaining payments charged May 1 and June 1)
- 4 Payments of $150 (1st payment due April 1, remaining payments charged May 1, June 1, and July 1)
Payments are non-refundable after July 1, 2026.
Band Camp Friday Performance – Every student will need:
- Solid Black Shorts (no stripes, logos, or patterns)
- Solid Black Athletic Shoes (no stripes or accent colors): You will use these all season, so invest in a good athletic shoe, not a casual/skateboarding shoe
- Solid Black Socks
- 2026-27 Marching Band Show Shirt: Included in the cost of camp. Shirts will be distributed at camp.
Countdown to Band Camp:
(Rotate phone to view chart)
| DAY | DATE | EVENT | TIME | PLACE | NOTES |
| Wednesday | April 1 | 1st Payment Plan Due Date | Online through Eleyo | See details above | |
| Monday | June 1 | Band Camp Registration Form Deadline | Online Form | See link above | |
| Monday | June 1 | Band Camp Payment Due | Online through Eleyo | See details above | |
| Tuesday | June 2 | Roommate Request Form Due | Online Form | Sent to students from Mrs. Prochaska | |
| TBD | June – July | Squads practice together | TBD | Squad and Section Leaders will communicate to students | |
| Monday | July 6 | Band Camp Handbook Emailed Out | Sent to email address given on registration form | Check your inbox or junk folder | |
| Tuesday | July 21 | BLT Meeting | TBD | DHS Band Room | Squad + Section Leaders, Drum Majors only |
| Wednesday | July 22 | Full Band Rehearsal | 1:15 – 3:00 PM | DHS Band Room | All Marching Band |
| Thursday | July 23 | Full Band Rehearsal | 1:15 – 3:00 PM | DHS Band Room | All Marching Band |
| Sunday – Friday | July 26 – 31 | DHS 2026 Band Camp | Hillsdale College | All Marching Band | |
| Friday | July 31 | Band Camp Performance | 10:30 AM | Muddy Waters Stadium, Hillsdale | Come see the show and pick up your student! |
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.
