MARCHING BAND IS A NUT FREE SPACE. DO NOT BRING ANY FOODS OR SNACKS THAT CONTAIN NUTS. This is for the health and safety of ALL of our students. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
Marching band camp is held over the last two full weeks of summer, from 12-8:30 pm Monday through Friday. This year the dates are August 3-7 and 10-14, 2026.
Band camp is an important and MANDATORY part of Marching Band and Color Guard class. Students who miss any portion of band camp are subject to reassignment to alternate (understudy) positions within the band. Students should contact Band Director Kevin McKeown (komckeown@smmusd.org) if they need to miss any part of band camp.
Plan to drop off early on the first day, and every day! Each day, students will start in the band room to pick up their instruments and organize their things; they should be on the field or in their sectional room by 12 pm SHARP, ready to start.
Registration and Expenses
Students must be registered before the first day of band camp. See the necessary forms here.
Families are asked to contribute $250 to cover the costs of band camp; we ask for an additional $1000 to cover the cost of the full season.
📋 Read More About Registration & Expenses
Note: All students may participate regardless of ability to pay.
What to Bring, What to Wear, What to Expect
🎒 See the Band Camp Packing List
You can also watch this helpful band camp video!
▶ Click to View Video Transcript
Elle: Hi, I’m Elle.
Zoey: Hi, I’m Zoey.
Nico: I’m Nico.
All: And welcome to the Samohi Marching Band Camp!
Zoey: We are so excited for this upcoming marching band season. Here are a few things to remember to bring to band camp.
Nico: First and foremost, we’re going to be outside a lot, so protection from the sun is crucial.
Elle: Items like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are imperative for staying cool and safe outside.
Nico: Hey, Zoey, is this a good water bottle for camp?
Zoey: Actually, it’s important that everyone stays super hydrated during band camp. So, we recommend that you bring at least a half-gallon water bottle.
Nico and Zoey: Hey Elle, look at our new shoes.
Elle: Those are awesome, but I don’t know if you’re going to want to march in those. Having tennis shoes with good arch support is essential for marching band because we are constantly moving on our feet.
Zoey: Also, because we are so active, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in, and it gets chilly at night, so don’t forget to bring your jacket.
Elle: We’re going to get an hour and a half dinner break every single night, so make sure to bring some snacks and either dinner money or dinner from home.
Zoey: And also, the Samohi Viking Marching Band is a nut-free zone, so please take this into consideration when packing your snacks.
Nico: Of course, it wouldn’t be band camp without our instruments! Remember to bring pencils, folders, or anything else you need like valve oil or cleaning supplies for your instruments.
Elle: Hey guys, let me let you in on a little secret: wearing deodorant like this one or a stick will help keep you and your friends happy!
All: We are so excited to see you all next week and have such a fun band camp. Go Vikings!
Lena: Thanks for watching. See you on Monday!