Dixie Band Camp History
Dixie Band Camp, the oldest camp in the South and the second oldest in the nation, is in it's 71st year and 20th year on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. The following states were  represented in last year's camp: Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana,  Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kansas, Alabama and Texas.
The overriding philosophy of Dixie is to give the participating students a meaningful as well as fun musical experience. In addition to the musical activities, Dixie includes a full activity calendar, with multiple afternoon and evening social activities planned for the students. Night activities such as concerts, movies, dances, swimming, tennis, and basketball,  plus an optional off-campus evening Water Theme Park excursion makes for a well rounded social experience for all campers.
Dixie Band Camp, founded in 1937 by Lee Wallick, the band director at Arkansas A&M College in Monticello, and R.B. (Scrubby) Watson, former director at Pine Bluff High School. The camp moved to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 1965 and was held on that campus through 1988.
Over 1300 students registered last year composing 6 high school bands and 10 junior high bands. The students participate in band rehearsals, sectionals, master classes, auxiliary/color guard instruction, and many recreational activities. All bands are featured in concert on the final day of camp.
Dixie Band Camp is a private camp governed by a board of directors made up of active and former school band directors. The current Dixie Board of Directors includes band directors from public schools and colleges in Arkansas and Florida. Since the camp was founded by band directors and continues to be operated by band directors, the emphasis is, and always has been, on what the board feels is in the best interest of the students ...their students. Dixie was founded on these principles and continues to support this student-oriented philosophy.
The Dixie Board funds an extensive scholarship program to help offset the cost of camp. In excess of $33,000.00 was issued in scholarships to deserving students last year. The scholarships vary in amount from $40.00 to $240.00 and are awarded through Dixie and the individual school band programs. For more information on scholarships, see your local school band director.
We believe our combination of challenging musical experiences (both in the area of concert band as well as jazz band) and the varied social activities make for a well-rounded camp experience for our students.
Don't miss your opportunity to become a part of this Southern tradition...