FAQ ABC
Frequently Asked Questions about the American Band College
CHECKLIST: ABC 3-YEAR CHECKLIST (with printable pdf's, screen images and links)
CATALOG:
The All-New American Band College/Sam Houston State University Catalog
Questions most asked about ABC:
Do I need to travel to Sam Houston State University (SHSU)?
No. Through Sam Houston State University's Distance Learning Program, the American Band College will offer 3 semester hours in residence in Oregon and the remaining 7 semester credits on-line each summer. Clinics/rehearsals will continue to be in Ashland, Oregon from June 19 through July 5, at the completely remodeled Music, Theater and Athletic facility at Ashland High School. All courses and projects are handled through Distance Learning at SHSU. Over 200 directors from over 40 states and 5 foreign countries attend each summer.
Will the ABC coursework/concerts be different now that the degree is aligned with Sam Houston State (SHSU)?
Course titles match those used by Sam Houston State University in their Master of Music (M.M) Conducting Track curriculum (See the new ABC Catalog for exacting details). This curriculum includes the concerts, performances, clinics, rehearsals, conducting and exams that make the American Band College experience truly unique. Outstanding ABC clinicians from around the world appear either in Ashland or in some cases through our online courses as well. All of this is coordinated with Sam Houston State University faculty to provide a world-class program. Concert/performances are still held at the Craterian Theatre (Medford, June 25), on the Ashland parade route, and at the Ashland High School football stadium on July 4.
What lodging options do I have during my time at ABC?
ABC has been
fortunate to secure high quality rooms with several motels; however, because June-July is high season with the start of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, we do not have enough space (nor a viable cost factor) that allows us to provide any single rooms. Considering that we have been able to include many amenities, including all double queen beds in each of the motels as well as other items never found in dorm situations, we know you will find the inclusion of breakfast every day and lunch most days (by our exceptional caterer, Awna Zegsdryn) in the lodging package very positive. The lodging package includes ALL nights from June 18 through and including July 5. Just login or create your ABC account and see more info at the Lodging Tab (roll over hotel text for pop-up). ABC offers only the June 18-July 5 lodging package and includes the lunch portion of the package only for those signing up for lodging.
What is the difference between ABC lodging package and other hotels in Ashland?
We would recommend that you really think through what it APPEARS you will save by getting a room at a discounted rate elsewhere. All of our hotels have the simple breakfast and include lots of amenities (see the list online via our web site at registration lodging tab). More importantly you get the lunch package ON SITE at Ashland High School. It is catered by (no exaggeration) one of the finest caterers in America today. Awna's food is the rave of ABC since we started this 2 years ago. While you can find or bring along a less expensive lunch, the true value of what A-Z Catering offers in our package is at least $15 per lunch.
The total cost is $875. That's less than $49 per night, which includes the motel for 18 nights, plus the included breakfast every day and the catered lunch 13 of those days. While you do have a roommate, every room we offer is a 2-bedded double. Even if you deduct just $10 per night for the lunch portion, your lodging is only about $40 per night. (For us, cost of offering this package is a wash; we simply know how important it is to have this when 200 people would be looking to find lunch every day in less than 60 minutes!!) Note: The catered lunch is offered only as part of the complete lodging package.
If I am in the process of getting admitted, what will I need to do to get my paperwork to Sam Houston State University?
First, apply to Sam Houston State University at Apply Texas and pay the application fee online. Then send your transcripts of ALL previously attended colleges or universities to Sam Houston State University. SHSU will notify you if they need other materials. See our 3-year checklist for extensive details, cost and deadlines.
Where can I get more info about financial aid?
You can get detailed info about online forms (FAFSA) and SHSU financial aid at this frequently asked question 
Do I need GRE scores to be admitted to Sam Houston State University?
No. GRE scores are not needed since we give our Music Theory entrance exam in place of the GRE. Start application to the Graduate School at Sam Houston State University and leave GRE off your checklist. ABC entrance exams are giving on June 19 from 10 am - 3 pm.
Do I need 3 letters of recommendation to be admitted to Sam Houston State University?
Yes. The 3 letters of recommendation are required to be admitted to Sam Houston State University.
Where can I get more info about continuing education/graduate credits at ABC?
If you would like to attend ABC as a non-master's degree student, you can earn 3, 4 or 7 semester credits during the two weeks in Ashland, Oregon. Click this link for detailed info.
REGISTRATION TO THE AMERICAN BAND COLLEGE:
How do I register for ABC online?
Once registered, how do I make changes, payments?
How do I create and upload my recording of my band, my personal photos and my bio?
What is the cost comparison between the American Band College and various U.S. Universities?
Is the ABC program accredited and nationally recognized?
Where can I find a breakdown on current ABC fees?
How much is the registration deposit for ABC?
Whom do I contact if I am interested in financial aid?
How should I pay ABC if I am receiving financial aid?
What are the 3 special classes offered during my 3 summers in Ashland?
Can I attend ABC and earn non-master's credits (continuing education credits)?
How can I replace lost forms, status reports, etc?
Does ABC mail out 1099 (tax info forms) to ABC attendees?
What is the difference between quarter-system hours of credit & semester-system hours of credit?
LODGING INFO:
What are my lodging options while I attend ABC?
Can my spouse and family stay with me in my hotel room?
How do I notify ABC about my roommate?
What date/time should I plan on leaving ABC?
Is there a meal plan at ABC?
How do I know which hotel to select for lodging?
Is there bus service in Ashland?
ADMISSION TO SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY:
What did I need to do as a first year candidate prior the start of classes on June 19?
(IMPORTANT: 1st Year) What are the requirements for the Pre-ABC course MUS 681 Recital?
What courses should I take at Sam Houston State University and when are projects due?
How do I register and pay for classes at Sam Houston State University?
Can I transfer elective or music credits to Sam Houston State University?
What are the admission requirements for Sam Houston State University?
(1st Year ABC Candidate) How do I get admitted to SHSU?
What is the refund policy at SHSU?
TEST INFO (ULTIMATE PURSUIT) AND REQUIRED LAPTOPS:
What time is the entrance exam for 1st year ABC students?
What can I expect to be on the entrance exam?
Why are wireless-enabled laptops REQUIRED for ABC Master's Candidates?
What is Ultimate Pursuit and how did it get started?
How do I create my own tests with Ultimate Pursuit?
How can I get a copy of my ABC study areas?
How do I create test groups with Ultimate Pursuit?
How can I get a summary report on my practice tests?
What kind of wireless-enabled laptop will work for ABC?
What does it mean if I do poorly on the entrance exam?
What time will I be finished on July 5?
How does ABC and SHSU track my progress in the program?
What happens if I don't pass all portions (instrument startups, diagnostic rehearsals, written) of the 3rd year exit exam?
TRAVEL/DIRECTIONS:
What is the closest airport to Ashland, OR?
What are the directions to the various hotels, Ashland High School Music Building, and the Craterian Theater from I-5 or the airport?
How do I get from the airport to the various hotels? Do I need to rent a car?
ITEMS TO BRING:
What should I bring with me to Ashland?
Do I need to bring any instruments besides my primary instrument?
CONCERT INFO:
What are the dates and locations for the ABC concerts?
What is the required attire for the two ABC concerts?
PROJECT INFO:
Where/when do I send my practical applications and research projects?
What courses should I take at Sam Houston State University and when are projects due?
What form do I use when I turn in my practical applications and research projects?
Can I take a deviation or incomplete on my project(s)?
GRADUATION INFO/TRANSCRIPTS/GRADES/FORMS:
How much is the university fee that must accompany the graduation forms?
How do I apply for graduation online?
When and how do I get my grades from ABC, or how do I order transcripts from SHSU?
How can I replace lost forms, status reports, etc?
Does ABC mail out 1099 (tax info forms) to ABC attendees?
If you have a question that was not answered above, contact us via email: scottmckee@bandworld.org (Scott McKee, Managing Director))
