Presented by Smith Walbridge
The nation’s first Drum Major Camp – founded in 1952
Held at the University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
The Gatorland Band Camps have merged with the Smith Walbridge Clinics, a partnership which will help bring the finest summer band and music camps available in the United States to Gainesville, Florida starting in the Summer of 2012.
Smith Walbridge, founded in 1949, was the first camp in the country specializing in training for marching band related activities including drum majors, colorguards, marching percussion, student leadership, marching band, drill design and marching directors. With over hundreds of students from all over the country, the SW tradition and reputation has continued to thrive.
The Gatorland Band Camps have recently developed into an outstanding program for Concert Band, Individual Instrument Instruction, Drum Majors, Colorguards and Marching Percussion. All programs feature internationally renowned clinicians and instructors who are talented, creative and skillful in working with students. The culmination is a program that trains students to be effective leaders and performers in their school bands.
OVERVIEW
At Smith Walbridge Drum Major Clinics there is a consistent teaching philosophy that is preserved year after year. Based upon a strong base of fundamentals, we guide students to develop their own unique style compatible with their bands. The result is individual creativity, identity and diversity. With nationally famous instructors we not only train great teachers, conductors and leaders, but also drum majors capable of serving as assistant band directors. The power of positive attitudes, high energy, and enthusiasm is integrated into the SW “System,” often imitated, but never matched. SW was the first drum major camp in the country which is the reason there are so many exciting traditions and a fraternal bond between its graduates.
CLINIC AGENDA & OBJECTIVE
- Conducting classes taught by university conductors
- Basic and Advanced levels of conducting
- Showmanship electives
- Squad drills and competition with verbal commands
- Daily individual evaluations of fundamentals
- Daily individual video tape evaluations
- Leadership and motivational techniques
- Individual help with score study with band directors
- Teaching and cleaning drills
- Develop individual styles in conducting and showmanship
- Methods for teaching marching fundamentals
- Various elective classes in the afternoon
GENERAL INFORMATION
See Faculty & Staffsection for instructors and their biographies.
Closing performances and are hosted on the last day, 6/27/2012 at 10:00am, at the Gator Band practice field for parents, sponsors, directors and friends.
Registration will be located at University of Florida Hume Residence Hall. (times below)
Housing will be in the beautiful University of Florida Hume Residence Hall. There is a private bath for each room which houses two persons. Groups will be housed in same general area.
Age range is from middle school through college.
>View the University of Florida Campus Map
More information can be found on our Facilities & Activities Page and General Information Page.
| Camp | Dates | Resident | Commuter | Chaperone/Sponsor | Registration Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drum Major | June 24-27, 2012 | $335 | $200 | $150 | June 24 – 9am-2pm |
Resident fee includes: Instruction, housing and all meals | Commuter fee includes: Instruction and lunch
Chaperone fee includes: Housing and all meals
DISCOUNTS
- $100 discount if attending Instrumental Camp AND any of the following; Drum Major, Colorguard, Marching Percussion
- $125 discount if attending Concert Band Camp AND the Instrumental Camp
- $150 discount if attending Concert Band Camp AND any of the following; Drum Major, Colorguard, Marching Percussion
- $200 discount if attending Instrumental Camp, Concert Band Camp AND any of the following; Drum Major, Colorguard, Marching Percussion
GROUP DISCOUNTS (cannot be combined with individual discounts)
Any school sending 10 or more students for any combination of camps will be eligible for a 10% discount off of the total group registration fee. To be eligible for this discount, groups must be registered and paid in full by 5/30/12 and paid with one check. PAYMENTS MUST BE COLLECTED AND MADE IN BULK AND SET UP WITH THE OFFICE IN ADVANCE
CANCELLATION POLICY
There is a $100.00 non-refundable fee for cancellations submitted in writing by email or U.S. mail 10 DAYS before the session (s) involved. No refunds for leaving early, for any reason.