Director’s Notes: Band Camp 2026 Edition

By Reed Bailey | June 29, 2026

Welcome Back! I hope your family has had a restful and enjoyable summer vacation. As much as it is strange to say: It’s that time again! So here is everything you need to know about BAND CAMP 2026!

Quick Schedule Breakdown:

  • Monday, July 6: Leadership Meeting (Drum Majors, Field Captain, Section Leaders, Perc/Guard Captains) 8:30 am-3:00 pm
  • Tuesday-Thursday, July 7-9: Percussion Camp (Battery & Front Ensemble) 8 AM – NOON
  • Monday-Friday, July 13-17: FULL BAND CAMP (all sections) 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Friday, July 17 @ 6 PM in CHS Student Union: Friends & Family Show Performance
    • this was a typo on the original schedule sent out. The performance is NOT July 11!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where? all camps take place at Cienega High School

What time should my child arrive? at least 15 minutes prior to rehearsal (7:45 am for an 8 AM start time)

What do they need to wear? students should dress to be active and for the desert heat. Short sleeves, shorts, and athletic/tennis shoes are required. Hats, sunglasses, change of socks encouraged. We will send students not properly dressed home to change: absolutely no jeans or sweatpants; no crocs, sandals, boots, etc.

What do they need to bring? large refillable water bottle, sunscreen, instrument/accessories, folder or binder for music, pencil for marking music, small snack (optional).

What do students do about lunch? During full band camp, we break from noon to 1 pm for lunch. Students are required to bring a packed lunch to eat. Students that are able to drive themselves and have parent permission to do so, may leave campus for the lunch break. Student drivers may not transport non-family members in their vehicle and must be back 10 minutes before the afternoon session begins. Any student that returns from the lunch break late will lose driving privileges the rest of the week.

How do we keep students safe during the summer heat? Water breaks are frequent and our band boosters maintain a tent on the sideline with water coolers, medical bags, and fans to help students cool off. Students are encouraged to take short breaks if they feel ill, but are also encouraged to not abuse the tent. Pushing through uncomfortable temperatures and preparing your body for the heat is how we build good habits during the marching band season. Students are also encouraged to hydrate and spend time outside in the heat before arriving for camp dates.

My student has registration at CHS/APHS/EHS during the week of band camp. Can they just skip that day? No. Each student will have a check-in/registration appointment during the week. Students are excused prior to their check-in time and are expected to return to camp once their appointment is complete. Many parents try to plan registration appointments to coincide with lunch or snack breaks. That works well for most families.

Parent/Student Pre-Camp Checklist:

The following items must be complete prior to your child’s participation in marching band (including summer camps) at Cienega:

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