Title: What To Know About Band Camps Word Count: 505 Summary: Band camps? What's a band camp? Unless you happen to play an instrument in High School or College, you may never have heard of a band camp or been aware that they are a booming business. Most band camps hold sessions during summer months, and are geared mostly for High School age students. It's also a place where students can mingle and learn from professional musicians, to play music that you've never played before, and of course, to enjoy new experiences and make new fri... Keywords: camp, summer camp, band camp Article Body: Band camps? What's a band camp? Unless you happen to play an instrument in High School or College, you may never have heard of a band camp or been aware that they are a booming business. Most band camps hold sessions during summer months, and are geared mostly for High School age students. It's also a place where students can mingle and learn from professional musicians, to play music that you've never played before, and of course, to enjoy new experiences and make new friends. Many college universities offer band camps for their music students, and can last anywhere from a week to two weeks or more. Band students are typically given a choice of staying on campus if they wish, or driving back and forth. Depending on the size of your wallet, that's a decision that each band member will have to make on his or her own. The cost of attending band camps also varies, depending on school, length of training session and whether or not you'll be staying on campus or commuting. In general, it can cost anywhere from $250 to $500, again, depending where you are and how long the session lasts. If you're interested in attending band camps, get online or ask school counselors if there are any band camps in your vicinity and then contact them for enrollment and application information. Many band camps focus on specific instruments, such as brass, drums, or reed instruments, so make sure you know what they offer before you sign on the dotted line. Some band camps take a limited number of participants, while others can easily handle fifty or more. For instance, brass band camps focus on the brass instruments, obviously, and offer instruction on small, medium or large groups of brass players for up to eight hours a day, six days a week. For some instruction, professional musical artists take groups of band members to focus on particular techniques. Attending band camps is no walk in the park. It's serious business to many High Schools and colleges and universities around the country, and they want to ensure that each student gets their money's worth, so don't expect too much free time. While some band camps are open to anyone over the sixth grade, most do cater to the older kids, so again, before signing up, make sure that there will be enough kids around your age group to make for a pleasant learning experience. Band camps are a great way to improve instrument-playing skills, as well as to learn how serious band competitions can be. Of course, attending band camps is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends that may last a lifetime. If you or your child is interested in playing an instrument for a school band, you may want to investigate band camps as an option that will help them become adept at their instrument. Band camps are more than worth the investment if it offers the chance to excel and compete at state and national levels.