Desert Hills
BAND CAMP
June 1 - 5, 2026
Join young musicians (ages 10-15) from around the Valley at the third annual Desert Hills Band Camp.
This weeklong music skills development camp aims to help students become more proficient on their instruments, become more confident playing with other musicians, explore new instruments and skills, and hear/interact with professional musicians. From 9:00am-12:30pm (half-day camp) or 9:00am-3:00pm (full-day camp), students participate in small and large ensembles, jazz ensemble, and electives that stretch their musical skills.
Start your summer with new music, new friends, and top-notch instruction set amid the stunning backdrop of the North Scottsdale boulders.
Free transportation is provided from the vicinity of I-17/Happy Valley Rd. and from the vicinity of 27th Ave./Carefree Hwy. for full-day students. Space is limited and will be give on a first-come, first-serve basis. Email
schoolofmusic@deserthills.org for more information and to be placed on the transportation list.
About the Classes
Band Camp includes six core activities each day.
Large Ensemble
All musicians start the day together in Large Ensemble, under the direction of Austin Cilone, award-winning director of bands at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. Under Mr. Cilone's fun, high-energy leadership, students work
on preparing a concert, given on the last day of camp. The concert is open to the public and is always well attended.
Small Ensemble
In Small Ensemble, students play in chamber groups of 3-6 musicians. While preparing music to perform, students advance their technical skills while learning how to balance and blend parts in a small group. They also build critical listening and tuning skills. Students are grouped based on instrument, age, playing experience, and other factors.
Hand Bells
All students will learn to ring handbells and handchimes as a way of improving rhythm, sight-reading skills, and physical coordination, in a unique and fun ensemble.
Jazz Ensemble
All musicians participating in the Full-Day camp (9:00am-3:00pm) end the day together in Jazz Ensemble. Learning to play jazz exposes young musicians to new styles of music, new and more challenging rhythms, and unique repertoire. Students who choose to do so are given the opportunity to improvise solos.
At Band Camp 2025, the jazz ensemble premiered a new composition by Music Theory & Composition instructor Greg Smith.
Pro Concert
From 12:05-12:30pm Monday-Thursday, different groups of professional musicians perform for students. These concerts are free and open to the public, so families are welcome to come hear the show. On the last day of camp, the concert will be given by the students.
Electives
Half-Day students will choose ONE elective; Full-Day students will choose TWO. Click on an elective to view more information.
***NOTE: The electives shown are our 2025 classes and are provided here to give you an idea of the types of supplemental classes we offer. There may be some changes to these electives for Band Camp 2026.
Conducting
Learn to lead a band! In conducting, you’ll learn the major conducting patterns for common time signatures, how to cue entrances and cut endings, how to lead at different tempos — and get a group to follow, and how to draw out musical details -- all while having lots of fun!
Voice/Group Singing
Learn to use an instrument we all possess: the voice! Working with professional singer Donna Wilde, students will learn how to produce the best sound quality in their singing, how to sing intervals and hit pitches, how to blend their voices with others, and more.
Steel Drums
Learn to play the funky, fun sounds of the Caribbean! Using steelpans of all sizes, students learn the techniques and rhythms that make the music of the islands known around the world. No drumming experience necessary!
Music Theory & Composition
Learn the fundamentals of music theory & composition from a working composer.
Music theory may seem unexciting, but those who understand it well have the tools to become better musicians and composers. This class is fun and interesting for even the most reluctant theory student!
Recording Studio Lab
Delve into the art and science of music recording, learning fundamental techniques to craft professional-quality tracks. Explore essential studio equipment, recording software, and techniques for capturing and manipulating sound. Basic computer knowledge is required to maximize the learning experience in this course.
Beginning Piano
Learn to play the piano! As a supplementary instrument for band musicians, piano is unbeatable. Beyond just being fun to play, it teaches students to read bass and treble clefs simultaneously, execute different rhythms in different hands, and improve motor skills. In Beginning Piano, students will learn the fundamentals of the keyboard, reading on the grand staff, basic chords and more.
Exploring Strings
Ever wondered what it's like to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass? This is your opportunity. Students will learn fundamental skills such as plucking, bowing, and basic finger positions. As a group, the strings elective will perform one or two simple songs at the final concert.
Pre-Requisite: Students should have at least one year of experience playing their instrument in order to fully reap the benefits of this camp.
Daily Schedule
| MON - THURS | FRIDAY | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00-9:55 | Large Ensemble | Large Ensemble |
| 10:00-10:20 | Handbells | Handbells |
| 10:25-11:15 | Elective #1 | Elective #1 |
| 11:20-12:00 | Small Ensemble | Small Ensemble |
| 12:05-12:30 | Pro Concert | Student Concert (12:05-1:00pm) |
| 12:30 | Release (Half-Day) | |
| 12:30-1:00 | Lunch (Full-Day) | |
| 1:00-1:55 | Elective #2 | |
| 2:00-3:00 | Jazz Ensemble |
What parents have to say about camp . . .
My child absolutely loved everything about the camp!
Band camp was AMAZING! It was a great way to start my son’s summer vacation, meeting new friends and filling his heart with music. He is anxiously awaiting this year's camp!
The Desert Hills band camp was a great experience for my son! Not only did he enjoy meeting new friends, he learned so much and improved on his saxophone skills! He will definitely be back!
My child loved all of it. It was a positive environment with good teachers, good kids, and a good length of time. We'll be back!
Band Camp Pricing
- $375 (Half-Day camp)
- $525 (Full-Day camp)
- Full-Day camp prices include lunch
Scholarships Available
Need some financial assistance to attend Band Camp? We have 50% and 80% scholarships available for families in need of assistance.
