Register for Band Camp

“My favorite weekend of the year!”

— Everyone

All skill levels are welcome. We all participate in full band sessions and there are breakout sessions too – including yoga! Our mission, of course, is to provide an opportunity to grow as musicians and learn from our conductors; our goal, however, is to have fun. Making music with friends in a welcoming environment, what more could be better?

Open to members of any New Horizon Band, the program includes full band rehearsals and sectionals. Band Camp is designed for all music ability levels and is a terrific opportunity to improve your sight-reading skills and hone your ensemble playing abilities. Featuring a mix of music levels from easy to challenging and genres from classical to contemporary to jazz, we have something for everyone. We also invite guest conductors from around the country to join our resident directors to give each Band Camp its own distinct character from year to year. If you have never been to Band Camp before, you are in for a wonderful experience, and if you are a returning musician you can expect another great time with like-minded friends new and old!

The weekend begins at noon on Friday and extends through noon on Sunday. Time for touring Door County is built into the schedule, and many of our attendees elect to arrive on Thursday or extend their stays beyond Sunday to take in all the sites and activities that the area has to offer. We always suggest that you make your housing reservations early as lodging is not part of your Band Camp registration.

We intentionally keeps the fees for Band Camp low to make it affordable for as many folks as possible, while covering our operating costs so that we can continue to offer it each year. We like to think that Band Camp is one of the best values around for musicians to enjoy a weekend of fun.

32nd Annual Hooked On Bands Door County Band Camp September 11 – 13, 2026 Björklunden, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin Sponsored by Hooked On Bands, Inc. with support from Ward-Brodt Music

Schedule

Friday, September 11, 2026

10:00am – NoonRegistration
Noon – 1:30Full Band Rehearsal
1:40 – 2:20Breakout Session 1
2:30 – 3:20Breakout Session 2
3:45 – 5:00Full Band Rehearsal
5:00 – 7:30Dinner (On Your Own)
7:30 – 8:45Full Band Rehearsal
8:45Social Hour in the Great Room

Saturday, September 12, 2026

8:00 – 8:30Breakfast in the Great Room
8:30 – 10:00Full Band Rehearsal
10:00 – 10:30Break
10:30 – NoonFull Band Rehearsal
Noon – 1:30Lunch in the Great Room
1:30 – 2:20Breakout Session 3
2:30 – 3:20Breakout Session 4
3:45 – 5:00Full Band Rehearsal
5:00 – 8:00Dinner (On Your Own)
8:00Jazz Jam in the Great Room

Sunday, September 13, 2026

8:00 – 8:30Breakfast in the Great Room
8:30 – 10:00Full Band Rehearsal
10:00 – 10:30Break
10:30 – NoonFull Band Rehearsal
NoonAdjourn until next year!

What To Bring

  1. Your Instrument
  2. Music Stand
  3. Stand Light

Björklunden

Björklunden is a campus of Lawrence University, and we value our relationship with Lawrence and the Björklunden staff. We respect their premises and strictly adhere to their policies. To get to Björklunden, drive north on WI 57 approximately 4.7 miles past Jacksonport. Boynton Lane is on the right (east) side. There is a big sign. If you get to the golf course, you’ve gone too far!

Questions? Contact: Phil Vorlander hookedonbands@gmail.com 608.358.8911

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session 1 (Friday 1:40 – 2:20)

  • Swing Band
  • Clarinet Ensemble
  • Flute Ensemble
  • French Horn Ensemble

      • Breakout Session 2 (Friday 2:30 – 3:20)

      • Swing Band
      • Music Theory 103 – Interested in writing and arranging music or just improving your music manuscript? We will “rewrite” a song and you can learn how theory can help you become a better musician.
      • Brass Ensemble
      • My Music – What are your favorite music genres, groups, books, podcasts? We’ll share our knowledge and preferences with each other in a fun group setting.

      Breakout Session 3 (Saturday 1:30 – 2:20)

      • Saxophone Ensemble
      • Percussion Ensemble – After two years of exploring a variety of instruments in our Percussion Break-Out Sessions, it’s time to make music! This year, we’re moving from “trying” instruments to performing with them! Join us as we learn some easy, percussion-only pieces in a fun, collaborative environment. We’ll help you quickly find the right instrument for your experience level and get you playing in no time. Everyone is welcome!
      • Beginning Improv
      • Yoga – Yoga sessions focus on breath work and gentle stretching and are appropriate for all. Mats are provided; you may bring your own. Guests are welcome to participate in these sessions.

      Breakout Session 4 (Saturday 2:30 – 3:20)

      • Low Brass Ensemble (trombone, baritone, tuba) — There is no sound as beautiful as low brass harmonizing. Together we’ll learn a few low brass ensemble pieces.
      • Woodwind Ensemble (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone) — Blending the aeolian voices from airy and ethereal to warm and resonant.
      • Jazz Jam — This session is mandatory if you want to participate in our Jam Session in the Great Room. Several songs will be rehearsed, and participants will prepare solos for the gig. Some Improv experience is encouraged.
      • Yoga

      Meals

      Breakfasts are on your own except for those with a room in the Lodge. A great Saturday lunch buffet is included with your registration.

      Cancellation Policy

      We understand that plans can change, and we will refund in full all registration and Lodge payments when we receive notice of cancellation prior to August 1st; however, we request you do not attend if you’re not feeling well, in which case all fees will be refunded up to the commencement of Camp.

      Room at the Lodge

      A very limited number of rooms are available at the Lodge. If you wish to stay at the Lodge, please indicate this on your registration form; however, we recommend you secure other lodgings at the time you submit your registration. If a room at the Lodge is available, we will notify you so that you can cancel other lodging reservations.

      Visit doorcounty.com for lodging information.

      Registration

      The registration fee is $125.00. The number of Band Camp participants is limited, and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We urge you to complete and mail your registration at your earliest convenience.

      Register for Band Camp