Pacific Crest holds weekend-long rehearsal camps once per month starting in January. The frequency of these camps increases in May and June.
Where are the camps held?
Our camps from December through June take place at Diamond Bar High School, 21400 E. Pathfinder Rd., Diamond Bar, California, 91765. The school is located off the 57 Freeway at Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar. The address is 21400 E. Pathfinder Road. Click here for a map and driving directions. Click here for a map and to get driving directions. The only exception to this may be our Memorial Weekend Camp, which typically takes place at a different site.
Where do I park?
The high school hosts Bingo in the gym on Saturday night. We strongly encourage you to have someone drop you Saturday and pick you up Sunday. If you wish to drive, you’ll want to park on Brea Canyon, the western border of the campus. You’ll then need to walk up the hill to the check-in tables.
What are the times?
The camp begins at 9 am on Saturday and ends at 6 pm on Sunday. The only exception is the Memorial Weekend camp, which starts at 8 am on Saturday and ends at 6 pm on Monday.
Where and when do we check in?
The registration tables will open at 8:00 am on Saturday morning. You will find them just east of the gym unless it’s raining. Staff will be available to guide you and answer questions. If you have registered online, plan to arrive by 8:30 am. Those who are registering that morning should plan to arrive by 8:00 am. Lines can be long.
What’s the housing and meal situation?
Lodging and meals are provided. Meals include lunch, dinner, and snack on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Students sleep in the gym. Showers are available in the locker rooms Saturday night during and after snack.
Do I have to stay overnight?
All camp attendees are required to stay overnight — even those who live locally.
What if I can’t attend a portion or all of a camp because of a school conflict?
Although attendance is required at camps, your school music/guard program acitivities take precedence over our training camps. We want you to be successful in drum corps AND school. Most school events are posted on the district or campus schedule months in advance – sometimes up to a year. It is your responsibility to communicate any possible conflicts with the Pacific Crest administration and your Caption Head 1 – 2 months in advance. If you find that you must miss a camp, an audio/video recording may be submitted to demonstrate your progress. This will be arranged with your Caption Head.
Brass performers involved in winter percussion or winter guard: We do not permit absences due to your participation in these programs; however, if the conflicts are limited, we may be able to work with you. Please send an email to Stuart Pompel right away.
What if I have to miss a rehearsal camp for reasons that are not necessarily school related?
Those types of instances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of the reason, if you have a camp conflict you should strive to attend as much of that camp weekend as possible. You will need to discuss the conflict with your Caption Head and the PC Administration.
What if my school year ends after All-Days start?
No worries. We have several members in this situation. An individual attendance policy will be created for you under this condition. Please know, as well, that your school administration may permit you to take your finals early and/or miss the last few days of school if they receive a letter from Pacific Crest confirming your participation.
What if I still owe money to the last corps I marched with?
You will not be permitted to participate in Pacific Crest until you have fulfilled all financial commitments to any previous drums corps you have participated in. This is a Drum Corps International policy and there are no exceptions.
What should I bring to the camps?
Everyone should bring the following items to your first Pacific Crest full weekend camp: sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toiletries, clothes you can move in (sweats, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, etc.). If you’ve not pre-registered, you’ll also need a completed membership application and medical form (with the appropriate signature), your registration fee of $50 (new members only), and your camp fee of $125. Depending on your caption, you should bring the following items to camp:
- For brass and percussion:
- Wear athletic clothes — such as shorts, track pants, light t-shirt, and closed athletic shoes. No jeans!
- Bring a hat (to protect you from the sun) and sunglasses
- An instrument, if possible (yours or one borrowed from your school)
- Necessary equipment (sticks, mallets, mouthpiece, gloves, etc.)
- 3-ring binder with 10 page protectors
- For color guard:
- Dance/movement shoes, outdoor shoes, dance clothing (Should be form-fitting. Black preferable)
- Equipment (flag, saber, rifle, gloves)
- For everyone:
- Long pants, sweatshirt or jacket (the weather could get chilly)
- Sunscreen & lip balm (do not use a petroleum-based balm)
- 1-gallon water jug. Fill it before you arrive Saturday.
- Deodorant or antiperspirant, shampoo, soap
- Hairbrush/comb
- Shower shoes and towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Clothes to sleep in
- Pillow, sleeping, twin-sized air mattress (optional)
We do not provide transportation to and from camps. If you have to fly in (or drive a long distance to attend these camps), check out some of the local hotels in Diamond Bar and Brea for Friday night.
Are my parents invited?
Absolutely! Parents are encouraged to attend every camp. Pacific Crest administrators and other volunteers will be in attendance at all camps to answer questions. Parents are offered the use of separate sleeping quarters in the school and there are numerous volunteer positions available for parents to fill. Bring a sleeping bag and pitch-in for the weekend!
What if my parents would like to talk to someone about the corps?
Parents who have questions are encouraged to contact us via email at info@pacific-crest.org. They can also contact Executive Director Stuart Pompel at 714-785-9904.
How many spots are open in the corps?
There are 150 total spots open in the corps, but we also carry another 3 – 6 understudies.
