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The popular movie series American Pie
has brought about many interesting catch phrases, foremost among them
being, "One time, at band camp!" Contrary to the frivolous
(and physically disturbing) things that happen in the movie American
Pie , band camp for the majority of schools across the nation is much
less outrageous. In fact, for the vast majority of music students
the American Pie band camp scenario could not be further from the
truth. This article will attempt to disperse some of the more crazy
ideas and bring things into a more realistic perspective as to the
differences between American Pie's band camp and the real thing.
Interlochen Fine Arts Camp- The
Ultimate Band Camp
In American Pie, the running "one
time at band camp" gag takes place at what is essentially a full
time, residential music summer camp. These kinds of camps do indeed
exist, the most famous being the summer arts programs at the
Interlochen Center For The Arts
in Interlochen, Michigan. This legendary school has been putting on
some of the most well known and respected summer music and band camp
programs for nearly 2000 summer campers and 450 fine arts boarding
high school students. Graduates of the Interlochen program have gone
on to become highly successful musicians and media broadcasters such
as Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes and Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller.
Local Band Camps- The More Common Band
Camp Option
In a majority of communities across the
United States the local school systems have some form of marching
band program. Whether that program is involved with parade marching,
field marching, or both, most programs attempt to hold some form of
band camp during the summer months, and these camps look very little
like the stereotypical American Pie band camp .
A traditional high school band camp can
take many forms. In most cases bands will get their members together
for several one day rehearsals throughout June and July, ending with
an intensive week long rehearsal where the group hones their music
and their marching drill in preparation for the coming marching band
season. While most of these camps are day camps only, some schools
go the extra mile and move the entire ensemble to separate, housing
provided, facility so they can completely immerse themselves in the
music and camaraderie without any outside distractions. It is from
these very intense team building activities that the American Pie
band camp ideas come from. While the more colorful anecdotes of the
movie may make for funny and interesting television, the truth is
that band camps are simply a method for musicians and directors to
work together to produce better musicians and better performances for
all of us to enjoy.
Tags: american pie band camp american pie band camp one time at band camp summer camp music camp marching band interlochen fine arts camp
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