Band Camp 2025

IMPORTANT NOTE - In order to secure your spot at Band Camp and your early on-campus residence move in, you MUST fill out the Band Sign-Up form no later than July 11th, 2025. You can find the Form on the Marching Band Home page, or at this link.

Band Camp Schedule Overview

Band camp may include additional brief performances for UMD Welcome Week, which will be added to the schedule as the welcome week schedule develops.

SAT 8/16

Move-ins for on campus members

5:00pm, Chester Group dinner, Introductions, and instrument rentals

SUN 8/17

No morning rehearsal - optional breakfast/bonding with your section!

Afternoon and evening rehearsal

MON 8/18

Full rehearsal day

TUES 8/19

Full rehearsal day

WED 8/20

Full rehearsal day

Move-Ins Performance

THURS 8/21

Full rehearsal day

Pride and Spirit + Chancellor's welcome performance

FRI 8/22

Rehearsal Day

Extended Lunch Time, rest/section bonding

SAT 8/23

Tentative Beach Day 

Bulldog Scramble Performance and Photo at 8:00 PM

What does a rehearsal day look like?

The times during a rehearsal day will be shifted to accommodate use of Malosky Stadium - some days we have access earlier than others. Cur finalized camp schedule will be posted soon!

A full rehearsal day has 3 “blocks” or practice sessions, that are separated by lunch and dinner. These rehearsals include full group time, time with clinicians, sectionals, or group activities. On any given day you can expect to be occupied for around 10-11 hours(including meal breaks).  Occasionally, a rehearsal block will be replaced with a performance. Lunch and dinner will be provided by the marching band in our campus dining center. 

Here is a sample schedule that you may see this summer!

Morning rehearsal 

10:00 am - 12:30 pm, Field 9

Lunch

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm, Dining Center

Afternoon rehearsal

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Field 9

Dinner

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Dining Center

Evening rehearsal

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Malosky Stadium or Field 9

What do I need to bring?

Please bring the following items to each rehearsal.

• An instrument (rentals are available through UMD once you arrive. Note: All drumline members are required to rent university battery instruments)

• A flip folder to hold your music (purchasable from Schmitt music, percussion exempt)

• A hat that shades your face

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle

• Athletic Clothing(won't restrict your movement)

• Closed toed shoes (athletic sneakers)

• A fanny pack (optional but helpful)

• Ear protection (required indoors. This is for all members. Foams or rubber ones work, however we recommend searching for high fidelity earplugs, there are more expensive and cheaper options)

Here are the things you will need for the entire season. Once you sign up, a form will be sent to you so we can get the shirt and other apparel ordered!

What we will order (you pay us for these):

• UMD Athletic Bands black uniform shirt (required, around $16)

• UMD Marching Band tracksuit jacket (optional, around $65, looks super cool)

• UMD Marching Band trucker cap (optional)

• Black show gloves

What you should order (you're on your own to order these):

• Khaki shorts for performances (any kind is fine!)

• Long, black socks

• Black marching shoes - Any brand

• Matte Black Vipers are recommended.

• Black winter hat, scarf, winter gloves

If you need any assistance getting these items, please contact marching band leadership at athbands@d.umn.edu!

Registration Information and Payment

Please fill out the UMD Bulldog Marching Band sign-up form. The form deadline is July 11th, 2025. If you need an extension or are finding this information after that date, please submit the form anyways and reach out to leadership at athbands@d.umn.edu to get signed up. We would love to have you! Contact information is listed at the end of this packet. The sign up form can be found elsewhere on the Athletic Bands website or through this QR code.

There is no cost to join the ensemble, but there are some fees to expect throughout the season. If you are living on campus, there is a $200 early move-in fee for band camp billed directly to your student account from UMD housing. If you need to rent an instrument, there is a $75 instrument rental fee billed directly to your student account from the UMD music department. Breakfast is on your own for the week of band camp, and you will need to purchase an Athbands t-shirt, marching shoes, a flip folder and khaki shorts. If any of these things are a barrier to your participation in the ensemble, contact us at athbands@d.umn.edu. We do our best to keep costs low, and work to make sure anyone can join!