Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. The main things to bring are clothes for 8 days/7 nights including a sweatshirt and jacket (it gets colder at night and in the early morning), a warm sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, towels, swimsuit, socks, shoes, flashlight with batteries, a music stand, your instrument and audition music. For a complete list of items, please see the Camp Handbook.
Q. How is the food?
A. The food is great! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served everyday by our wonderful kitchen staff. They work hard to prepare meals with balanced nutrition that will give you proper energy to get through the daily activities. If you have any special dietary needs (such as vegan or vegetarian), please let us know at least two weeks before camp starts so the kitchen staff can properly prepare. There is also a camp store which will be open between meals so you’ll want to make sure to set up an account. A “Store Deposit” form will be included in your confirmation packet sent after registration.
Q. May I bring my own food/snacks?
A. Please do not bring any food to camp. There is absolutely no food allowed in the cabins. There is a great camp store in the center of our camp where you can buy snacks and drinks in between meal times.
Q. How much money should I bring?
A. For use at the camp store, we usually recommend $20-$40. To help with the decision a store Deposit form will be sent to you in the confirmation packet with price listings.
Q. Can I get mail at camp?
A. Absolutely! Getting and sending mail at camp is a great way to keep in touch with your family and friends at home. Just have them send it to:
<Camper’s Name>
Sequoia Lake Music Camp
49716 Highway 180
Miramonte, CA 93641
Remember, mail delivery on the mountain can take longer than normal, therefore we encourage parents to pre-draft letters before camp and drop them off with staff when you check in your camper. Simply mark the day of the week you would like the letter delivered and we will make sure to deliver it at lunch that day.
Q. Can I room with my friend?
A. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but cabins are mainly configured by age.
Q. What do I play for my audition?
A. It is best to have a scale prepared as well as a piece. The piece could be an etude, a concerto, a solo work you’ve been preparing with your teacher, or a song you’ve been working on in your school orchestra or band. You want something that shows your ability and lets us know what level of music you are used to. Also, be prepared to sight read some music!
Q. I play more than one instrument, may I bring both?
A. For many campers you will be focusing on one main instrument for the week. However, for some campers, you may be splitting your time between two main instruments. For example, if you play clarinet in concert band and saxophone in jazz band, you will definitely want to bring both! Make sure to let us know on your registration form and we will contact you if we have any questions.
Q. Do I need a music stand?
A. Yes! All campers need to bring a music stand, their instrument and a pencil to every rehearsal.
Q. What is the weather like?
A. In the morning and evening the weather gets pretty chilly. During the day it is warmer, so remember to bring both warm and cool clothing.