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2024 JMB Band Camp

Band practicing at band camp

 

Please be sure to carefully review all of the following information and use the JMB Member Checklist to keep track of what you need to complete prior to band camp. 

Contents

 
 

 

CAMP DATES

  • Student Leadership: Band Camp begins at 12PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024
  • Color Guard: Band Camp begins at 12PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024
  • Jag Drumline: Band Camp begins at 12PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024
  • Managers: Band Camp begins at 12PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2023
  • Feature Twirlers: Band Camp begins at 12PM on Tuesday, August 6 2024
  • First Year Wind Players (Freshmen and Transfer Students): Band Camp begins at 5PM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024
  • Returning Wind Players: Band Camp begins at 5PM on Friday, August 9, 2024

DETAILED SCHEDULE

The 2024 JMB Band Camp Detailed schedule can be found HERE. Please be aware that slight changes may be made to the schedule throughout the summer.  Arrival day/times for Band Camp are firm.

LOCATION

All events take place on the University of South Alabama campus. Check in and music rehearsals will take place at either the Jaguar Marching Band rehearsal room in the HKS building or in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Campus Map

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A JAGMAIL ACCOUNT

If you have not already done so, activate your JagMail account. It will be required to access and fill out countless online applications and forms throughout the year.

COMPLETE YOUR 2024 JMB ONLINE INTENT FORM

Please complete and submit your Online Intent Form. This must be completed before band camp begins.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

If you are living in on-campus housing (not Central House), the Jaguar Marching Band will cover the costs of your early move-in to University housing. Students are reminded to apply for campus housing early and to check their application status often. Please make sure to check MyUSA Housing Site for information regarding housing applications, room assignments, and other information.
 
Students who are living in on-campus housing must move in on the following dates and times: 
  • Student Leadership and Staff: Tuesday,  August 6, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Color Guard: Tuesday,  August 6, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Jag Drumline: Tuesday,  August 6, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Managers: Tuesday,  August 6, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Feature Twirlers: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - 9:00-11:00AM
  • First-year wind players: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Returning wind players: Friday, August 9, 2024 - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
There will be NO EXCEPTIONS TO THESE MOVE-IN TIMES AND DATES. Please note that you are NOT required to fill out your early-move in request through Housing's Early Arrival Program - we will fill out your early arrival for you provided you have filled out the JMB Member Intent Form. However, if you have not filled out the Intent form by July 1st, you will be charged a fee to apply for early move-in (the Jaguar Marching Band will not cover late early arrival applications).  

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

Students who will be living in Central House and other private residences should take note that most realtors do not have set move-in dates before Band Camp. You will need to talk to the realtor/leasing office and ask them if there is any way you can move in before the week begins. If you run into a problem with your off-campus housing, please contact the Drum Majors (email links will be added when drum majors are announced) and they will try to find another band member with whom you may stay.  All dorm issues must be handled by calling University Housing at (251) 341-4663. All issues with off-campus housing should be dealt with directly with that property's management office.

DINING

The Jaguar Marching Band does not cover the costs of meals during band camp. However, there are several cookouts and special dining events that the band does over the course of band camp which the JMB covers the cost for.

EXPENSES

You will not owe the marching band any money for band camp unless you have ordered any replacement items. More information can be found in the JMB Handbook.

CONFLICTS WITH BAND CAMP

All portions of band camp are mandatory. Certain limited conflicts that arise due to student testing, orientation, Honors College, and other school-related events are acceptable provided that you contact us in advance.  Students who are involved with Drum Corps should note that on their JMB Intent Form - those students will be expected to return immediately to Mobile at the conclusion of their corps' tour schedule.  It is your responsibility to take care of conflicts as soon as possible. Conflicts due to work or vacation (family or otherwise) are not permitted. If you need documentation from us for your employer, please e-mail usajmb@southalabama.edu with details of your situation. If you have any conflicts, communicate now with your employer, etc. now!

HANDBOOK AND SYLLABUS

All the rules and guidelines governing every part of the Jaguar Marching Band experience are detailed in the Student Handbook, which is available online. In addition the course syllabus for Jaguar Marching Band (MUO130/430) is available online. These documents are considered finalized on July 1st - some changes may be necessary and will be preceded by ample prior notice to the members of the ensemble.

PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

The performance calendar for the Jaguar Marching Band is always available online, and it is listed in your course syllabus. This schedule is finalized on July 1st of this year, and it will not be altered except in extenuating circumstances. In the rare case where a performance is added or removed, ample prior notice will be given to the members of the ensemble.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Several evenings during band camp will feature social activities. Events like movie night, swim party night, cookout at the pavilion, section dinners, and more are all potential events. You are expected to attend. These events will help you make friends and get to know our campus and its history better. Most importantly, it will be fun! 

PARKING AND PERMITS

During camp, you may park in any valid student (white striped) parking place on campus. If you mistakenly receive a parking ticket when in a valid student parking space, then we will have it removed from your university bill. However, if you were parked illegally (a blue-lined faculty spot, a handicapped space, prohibited curb, double parked, etc.), you are responsible for the ticket.
 
You will register your vehicle for a parking permit through an online form hosted by the USA Parking Services.  You can visit the Parking Services website here.  

BIKING ON CAMPUS

While there are a variety of parking options on campus, and the JagTran is a good way to go long distances, the absolute best way to get around on campus is by bicycle. Bike lanes and shortcuts are provided throughout campus, and there are bike parking racks at all buildings. If you have a bike that you plan on bringing to campus, we strongly encourage you to do so. However, make sure you properly register your bike with the University Police Department.

PROPER ATTIRE FOR BAND CAMP

Students should wear cool, comfortable, and appropriate clothing. Swimsuits, swimsuit tops, midriff revealing sports tops, etc. are not allowed. Full sports tanks and similar apparel is acceptable. Men must wear shirts at all times. In short, please dress for cool comfort, but make sure your body does not become a distraction to your fellow band members. Marching in jeans or boots is not allowed. Make sure to bring a swimsuit for the evenings! Do not wear clothing or accessories from any other University at any time during camp.

BAND SHOES, APPAREL, FLIP FOLDERS, LYRES, AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

All band members will be issued a pair of black marching band shoes, sweat-wicking t-shirt and shorts, a hooded sweatshirt, and a music flip folder with lyre (if applicable). Color Guard members will be issued a warm-up jacket, footwear and equipment bag. There is no charge for these items. 

INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

The Jaguar Marching Band provides instruments and equipment for every single member of the marching band. All brass instruments come with a mouthpiece (mellophones include an adapter if you wish to play with a concert horn mouthpiece). If you wish to use your own brass mouthpiece, please remember that all instruments are large bore/large shank. Also please note that NO COLORED OR PLASTIC/CARBONFIBER MOUTHPIECES ARE ALLOWED ON ANY INSTRUMENT. So-called “loud” or “high” mouthpieces and other “gimmick” brands are not welcome. Quality of sound is our first priority. All reed instruments must provide their own reeds, and these must be maintained at an acceptable level of quality. Have several playable reeds at all times! You may use your own custom mouthpiece, but they must be black or clear. 

PART PLACEMENT AUDITIONS

Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, and Trombones have divided parts; therefore, placement auditions will be held for these sections.  If you play one of these instruments, then your placement audition materials are included in the packet made available to you online.  In addition, you will be able to access music through the FlipFolder App on your electronic device to practice.  Part placement auditions will be submitted by video this year.  They will be due on July 15, 2024.  Part placements will be emailed to those sections on July 20th so you will have time to practice your assigned part before band camp begins!
 
More detailed information will be emailed directly to these sections prior to July 1st!
 
Piccolos, Mellophones, Baritones/Euphoniums, and Tubas do not have divided parts; therefore, no part placements for those sections are required. If you perform in one of those sections, your music is available on FlipFolder app. Arrive at band camp knowing this music, not waiting to be taught it.

FITNESS AND CONDITIONING

Band Camp takes place during one of the hottest times of the year in Alabama. In preparing for band camp, please: 
  • Make sure you are active outside prior to Band Camp and get acclimated to the heat and humidity. 
  • Please get accustomed to wearing broken in tennis shoes/sneakers during band camp. You will not be allowed during any time of camp or during the season to wear sandals, flip-flips, or any similar footwear. Marching bare footed is also unacceptable. 
  • Engage in some type of aerobic conditioning to prepare you for the marching demands and other physical demands of Band Camp. 
  • Try to get used to drinking lots of water and sports drinks each day, especially in the mornings. Please avoid consuming caffeinated beverages (they cause you to lose fluids) and beverages with added sugar. Avoiding caffeine and sugar is a good policy when engaging in physical activity in hot and humid conditions. 
  • Eat a healthy breakfast. Avoid overly-large portions and greasy foods. 
  • Bring a hat, appropriate clothing, sun screen (body and lips), and a wash-cloth or small towel that you can dip into ice water (in a container we’ll provide) and place on the back of your neck. Instead of a baseball cap, try purchasing a bucket hat or some other type of hat with a very wide brim that goes all the way around the hat and protects your neck and ears from the sun. 
  • Please bring plenty of insect repellent. You can purchase products that combine sun protection and insect repellent in the same product. 

BAND CAMP CHECKLIST

CHECK THINGS OFF AS YOU PACK!

  • Money for meals and social events 
  • T-shirts and shorts for marching (marching shirtless, in bathing suits, in jeans etc. is not permitted. ) 
  • Good marching shoes and socks (closed-toe tennis shoes, not sandals or anything else!) 
  • Washcloth or hand towel to keep your neck and ears cool 
  • Wide-brimmed hat (Bucket hats are best!) 
  • Sunscreen (Body and Lips!)
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal water supply (Camelbacks and other such devices are allowed. We will have water coolers on the field)
  • Reeds (clarinets and alto saxes)
  • Mouthpiece (optional for Clarinets, Alto Saxes, and Brass)
  • Swimsuit!

MUSIC & FLIPFOLDER APP 

All JMB Woodwind and Brass members will have access to FlipFolder to access their music to begin preparing for the season. Drumline will receive their music from Dr. Nozny. You can download FlipFolder app for iOS at the App Store for Apple products or the Google Play store for those using Android.  

Instructions and login information have been emailed to all members. If you need help contact a section leader or Dr. Abend: robertabend@southalabama.edu.

MUSIC REFERENCE RECORDINGS AND PRACTICING

Reference recordings of our 2024 Show Music and Pregame Music are provided to help you practice. You will need to be logged into your USA account in order to access these files. We encourage you to start with pregame and show 1 music since we learn those first. There is a lot of music in the FlipFolder app that you are welcome to practice, however, pregame and show music are most important since we memorize that music. 

2024 JMB Show 1: Mardi Gras!

2023 JMB Show 2: Best of Classic Boy Bands

FALL 2024 CONCERT BAND AUDITIONS

If you are interested in auditioning for one of the fall concert ensembles, please visit the University Bands Webpage. More information about our concert ensembles can be found there. The link to sign up for an audition is located on the right side of the page. Please contact any of the band directors for more information. 

BANKING INFORMATION

Set Up or update your Banking Information in PAWS by following these instructions.  Anytime we travel and provide students per diem, the university sends the money directly to your bank account. New members should complete this before band camp and returning members should make sure their information is up to date.   

Medical Form

Please print off the JMB Medical Form and bring it to band camp registration.