Band Camp

A residential or commuter camp for students entering grades 5th through 8th who are wind, brass, and percussion players with a minimum nine months of playing experience! You’ll make new friends whether you stay on campus with us or return home in the evenings. Come grow as a musician through rehearsals, sectionals, and a final performance!

The Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University has a long history of bringing school-age and adult learners to campus for focused music study through workshops, camps and training institutes.

Caring staff, a safe campus, outstanding music facilities, excellent food service, and comfortable residence halls combine to make each camper’s experience a positive one. Campers have the option to commute daily to campus or live in real college dorms. All campers will attend rehearsals in Conservatory buildings. The BW student dining hall provides delicious, healthy meals; all meals are provided for residential campers, and lunch and dinner are provided for day campers.

We know that your children are precious, and BW summer program staff go the extra mile to watch over all campers. Certified music teachers and other adults supervise all rehearsals and activities. We have a nurse on call around the clock who supervises and dispenses all medications. Attendance is taken at all activities. Faculty and staff live in the residence halls and are responsible for supervision. Campus security personnel are always available and all dorms remain locked 24/7 with key card access only.

Afternoon activities may include swimming, outdoor activities, and game days. Evening activities may include a movie night or the counselor talent show. BW’s summer music programs receive public support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture to preserve and enrich our region’s artistic and cultural heritage.

A camper's day begins early! The first rehearsal of the day begins at 9:00 a.m. and both resident and commuter campers are kept busy. A typical daily schedule might go like this:

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast (residential only)
8:15-8:30 a.m. - Commuter drop-off
9:00 a.m. - Band rehearsal
10:30 a.m. - Sectionals
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00 p.m. - Recreation
2:30 p.m. - Sectionals
3:30 p.m. - Band rehearsal
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6:30 p.m. - Evening activity
8:30 p.m. - Commuter pick-up & Dorm Time (residential)
10:00 p.m. - Lights out

We make every effort to keep camp as affordable as possible. Campers may attend as either residents or commuters, and most expenses are covered. Payment plans are also available when you register.

• Resident: $590 fee covers all room and board (three meals per day), admission fees and activities supplies.
• Commuter: $490 fee covers lunch and each day plus admission fees and activities supplies. Commuters are dropped off each morning between 8:15-8:30 a.m. and picked up at 8:15 p.m.

Fees include a non-refundable deposit of $50 that must accompany the application for registration to be complete for camp. Flexible payment plans for the remainder of camp fees are available.

*Changing a student's registration from resident to commuter will result in a $50 moving fee.

In order to pre-assign ensembles and select appropriate repertoire for each group, students are required to submit a one-minute recording of a piece, excerpt, etude, or exercise that they have studied and/or performed. This selection should authentically showcase the student’s ability on their instrument. It is not suggested that a student select a piece they are just beginning to study.

Recordings must be uploaded to YouTube. Links can be shared via the supplemental form on your registration. DVD and CD audition videos mailed to our office will NOT be accepted. 

Note: You may complete your registration to secure your spot at camp before submitting your ensemble placement recording. Students must upload their recording no later than May 15, 2025.

Prior to camp you will be able to join us for a virtual pre-camp informational session for all campers and families.  Tune in to connect with camp leadership, talk through the camp schedule and get excited for camp week! All registered participants will receive communication about dates and times or orientation closer to camp dates.

Meetings will be recorded for families who are unable to attend. If you have additional questions, call us at 440-826-2482 or use our Contact form.

Students from Lorain County may be eligible for Tuition Assistance through the Nord Family Foundation or the Nordson Corporation Foundation. You will find more information about that on our Tuition Assistance page.

Tuition assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply for Tuition Assistance within your registration. Awards will be announced on a rolling basis beginning in March, 2025.

Questions? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page, call us at 440-826-2482 or request more information here.

Still have questions about our summer camps? See Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to us. We're happy to help!