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Homewood Patriot Band

Pride ☆ Perfection ☆ Professionalism ☆

Summer Jumpstart Camp

Sign Up for This Year's Camp!

Middle School Jumpstart Band Camp Flyer

To Sign Up for this year’s camp, click the link below!

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What is Jumpstart?

At Homewood Middle School (HMS), the summer band camp experience splits into two tracks tailored to a student's experience level. The program divides responsibilities and goals to meet students exactly where they are musically.

For Beginners (First Time Band Members):

Often called the **Jumpstart Camp**, this track is specifically designed for absolute beginners who have selected an instrument in the spring but have never played a single note.

  1. Zero Experience Assumed:
    • Directors start from absolute scratch. Students learn how to open the case, assemble the instrument, and properly clean and care for it.
  2. Emphasizing Tone Production:
    • A huge focus is placed on the basics of "embouchure" (mouth placement) and posture so students can comfortably produce their first sounds.
  3. Small-Group Integration:
    • Specialized Clinicians teach every instrument, students get focused, small-group attention. This prevents bad habits from forming before the school year begins.
  4. The Social Safety Net:
    • It serves as an early orientation. Incoming 6th graders get to meet the Band Directors, navigate a small part of the middle school campus, and build friendships with their section-mates a month before school opens.

 

 

 

For Returning Players (2nd & 3rd Year Band Members):

For the experienced students in the Symphonic and Concert bands, summer camp serves a completely different purpose. It shakes off the "summer rust" and primes the ensemble for the upcoming year.

  1. Re-establishing Fundamentals:
    • Focus pivots away from assembly and toward advanced tone production, technical patterns, and ensemble blend.
  2. Learning New Literature:
    • 7th and 8th graders usually get their first look at the competitive concert pieces and pep band music they will perform at middle school football games and pep rallies in the fall.
  3. Leadership Roles:
    • Incoming 8th graders often utilize this week to step into leadership roles, helping guide 7th graders and setting the performance standard for the year.

 

 

This camp serves as the primary reason why one-half of the entire HMS student body successfully participates in the band program—it builds a strong foundation early and keeps returning musicians connected.