Revised: November 2021
Pacific Crest holds weekend-long rehearsal camps once per month starting in December. Check the schedule or audition page for dates and locations.
Where and when do we check in?
The registration tables will open one hour prior to the start of the camp. Staff will be available to guide you and answer questions. If you have registered online, plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the camp. Those who are registering onsite should plan to arrive when registration opens. Lines can be long.
What’s the housing and meal situation?
Lodging and meals are provided. Students sleep in the gym. Showers are available in the locker rooms in the evening.
Do I have to stay overnight?
In December, staying overnight is optional; however, it is required at all other rehearsal camps.
What if I can’t attend a portion or all of a camp because of a school conflict?
During the academic year, your school events take priority over Pacific Crest. Refer to the Program Participant Handbook for details.
School conflicts may include the following:
- School band rehearsal or performance
- Ceremonies: Prom, Graduation, band banquet
- Graduation ceremony
- Independent ensemble (WGI, youth orchestra, etc.)
If you must miss more than the allowable number of camp days, please contact the Pacific Crest administration. Communication is key to finding a solution.
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, please strive to attend as much of that camp weekend as possible. You will need to discuss the conflict with your Caption Head and the Pacific Crest Administration.
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?
During your audition phase, you should plan to bring an instrument — your own or borrowed from a school. Pacific Crest has a limited number instruments available, so bringing your own will ensure that you have an instrument to play the entire time.
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, cross-trainer shoes, etc.). Depending on your section, 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 rehearsal camps. If you have to fly in (or drive a long distance to attend these camps), connect with Pacific Crest members on our Facebook Interest Page for housing and/or transportation. Alternatively, you can check out local hotels near the camp site.
Are my parents invited?
Absolutely! Parents are encouraged to attend every rehearsal 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 CEO Stuart Pompel at 909-287-1310.
How many spots are open in the corps?
There are up to 165 total spots open in the corps.