Frequently Asked Questions


1. HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CAMP?


Registration is done on-line. Applications will be accepted until July 19th, 2010 and must be accompanied by the $100 application fee. Tuition is $675.00 if paid in full before May 1st, 2010. Registration and payment after May 1st is $710.00. Because enrollment is limited, we recommend that students apply early. There are no refunds after June 24th, 2010.

2. DOES THE CAMP OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

Yes. Scholarships are available for students with financial need. Please download an application from the general information page on our web site. Many school music programs offer scholarships to students in their programs. Check with your own school music director to see if they are available. The camp encourages students with financial hardship to apply for a tuition scholarship. The deadline is April 30th, 2010.

3. HOW DO I GET TO CAMP?

You are responsible for transportation to camp and leaving to go home after the final concert which is over on Saturday July 31st.

4. WHERE IS THE CAMP LOCATED?

The San Francisco YMCA camp Jones Gulch is about 60 miles from Hayward near the town of La Honda. The drive from Hayward to camp Jones Gulch takes approximately an hour and a half. The camp is 1000 acres in size and is surrounded by redwood trees. A map will be sent with your receipt and the what to bring to camp instructions. The camp is located at 11000 Pescadero Rd. between the town of La Honda and the San Mateo County Memorial Park. It may be reached from State Highway #1 on the coast or from Woodside on Highway #84.Google map link.

5. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CAMP?

Students must be currently enrolled in their school music program and must be signed up for the next school year. If a music teacher is not available, verification may be made by a school official (principal or counselor.) Students attending schools that do not have music programs need verification from a school official that they do not have a music program. A student that is taking private lessons and is not in a school music program can also attend camp with the signature of the private teacher. All students need a minimum of 1 year of experience. The Senior camp includes 9th-12th grade musicians as of September, 2010. Graduating 12th graders are also accepted. The Junior camp includes musicians entering the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades as of September, 2010.

6. IS THERE A PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED?

No. However the terrain at camp is hilly in some areas and students are required to walk to different facilities with their instruments. Any medical concerns or medications must be included in the registration application. This information will be reviewed by the camp nurse before the application can be fully accepted.

7. WHO TAKES CARE OF THE CAMPERS MEDICAL NEEDS?

The camp nurse is a registered nurse who attends to all the students medications and medical needs at camp. Prescription medication is monitored and distributed by the camp nurse. If a camper is sick and needs to go home or see a doctor the nurse will contact the parent directly to schedule a pick up time.

8. WHERE DO THE CAMPERS STAY AT NIGHT?

Each cabin houses between 9-13 students with a cabin counselor who is either a professional music teacher or a college music student. The counselors have leadership experience that encourages teamwork, and fun for each student.

9. CAN I STAY IN THE SAME CABIN WITH MY FRIENDS?

During the Saturday July 24th registration/check in there will be cabin sign ups. It is recommended that you arrive with your friend at the same time so to secure a place in the same cabin. Most cabins have a minimum of 11 beds.

10. WHAT DO I BRING TO THE AUDITION?

Generally you will be asked to play a certain number of scales and a short prepared piece if you are a band or orchestra student. Campers wanting to join a jazz band will also be asked to prepare a short piece. Everyone will be asked to sight read a short piece of music. A more detailed email will be sent to you several months before camp starts.

11. HOW DO I GET PLACED IN A BAND OR ORCHESTRA?

All Junior band campers will be placed in either the Junior Wind Ensemble or the Junior Concert Band. All Junior orchestra campers will be placed in Junior Orchestra. All Senior band campers will be placed in either Senior Wind Ensemble or Senior Symphonic Band. All Senior orchestra campers will be placed in Senior Orchestra.

12. WILL EVERYONE WHO AUDITIONS FOR JAZZ BAND BE ABLE TO PLAY IN ONE?

All campers who audition for a Jazz band will be placed in either one of 4 Jazz Bands or one of 2 Jazz lab bands by the level of their abilities.

13. IF I'M PLAYING DRUMS IN THE JAZZ BAND DO I NEED TO BRING MY DRUM SET.

Yes. Camp does not provide drum sets for all jazz drummer.

14. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CAMP?

A What to Bring to Camp email will be sent to all registered campers that are fully accepted to camp.

15. WHAT HAPPENS AT CAMP?

After breakfast there are 4 periods of classes mainly focused on the students large ensemble group. After lunch there is a short rest period then 2 elective periods follow by afternoon recreation activities. These activities include canoeing, climbing tower, ping pong, zip line, archery, swimming, softball, and horseback riding. All activities are supervised by the YMCA staff and the music camp staff. The recreation period can also be used for practice time. After dinner there are night time activities including get acquainted night, ensemble night, jazz night, skit night, campfire night, and dances.

16. HOW CAN A CAMPER BE CONTACTED DURING CAMP?

Parents can call the YMCA office number (650) 747-1200 and a message will be delivery to the camper during one of the meals. Cell phones do not work at camp however campers can call home from the pay phones at camp. If a parent has to reach a camper due to a family emergency the Music Camp Administrator will be contacted directly by phone or walkie talkie.

17. WHAT HAPPENS IF A CAMPER CHOOSES NOT TO FOLLOW THE RULES?

Camp is for students who want to be there. Campers will be sent home if they are using alcohol/drugs, are caught stealing, are in a physical altercation. La Honda Music Camp staff will work with campers who are having minor behavior problems and will alert parents if the problems are not resolved. Multiple minor offenses can be grounds for the camper to be sent home. When campers are sent home it is the responsibility of the parent to pick up their child.

18. WHERE SHOULD PARENTS OR FRIENDS SEND LETTERS TO?

Hayward-La Honda Music Camp San Francisco YMCA, Jones Gulch La Honda, CA 94020. Please specify Cabin Name/number and Camp (SR/JR).

19. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FINAL DAY CONCERT WHICH IS SATURDAY JULY 31ST?

The final day concert is at the band shell and starts at 1:00pm. Parents and family members can bring a lunch and sit in front of the shell before the concert begins. All the large ensemble groups will be performing and campers can leave with their parents and after the concert is over. Generally the concert ends by 3:15.

20. THE HAYWARD LA HONDA MUSIC CAMP IS A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

Donations are tax deductible under the law. Donations can be made online through our web site or checks can be mailed to the camp office.