Marching Band is life-changing.  Yes, it does require a high level of commitment and hard work, but then again, anything of lasting value requires it.  We appreciate your support of your child’s interest in being in the marching band and hope that this section will help explain the importance of Band Camp.

Because of the nature of any performance-based music ensemble, attendance at rehearsals is critical.  Attendance at Band Camp is perhaps the most important contributor to the success of the Marching Band later in the fall.  Conversely, nothing hurts a band more than poor attendance at Band Camp…these types of bands spend the entire fall playing “catch up” while other bands are able to progress more quickly and achieve higher levels of performance.

Band Camp comprises over 50% of the total number of rehearsal hours for the entire season!  This means that, on the first day of school, the marching band has less than HALF of their rehearsal hours remaining to perfect their show.  An eight hour rehearsal during band camp equates to almost a week of after school practices during the school year.  So, it’s easy to see how that time is so important to our success as a group.  This is our biggest window of opportunity to learn our show prior to the start of the school year.

Unlike some activities, there is no “bench” in band – EVERYONE participates, all the time.  Band is all offense, there is no defense.  Each individual member of the Marching Band has a role that only they can fulfill.  Music and drill formations are custom-written for each member to learn.  Members will receive their own drill coordinate sheets which provide them the information they need in order to be at the right place at the right time on the field.  These coordinate sheets tell them exactly where to stand and how many counts they have to get there from the previous formation.  Eventually, they will be playing the show music (from memory) on their instrument as they march from dot to dot.  This takes practice to do it well and there’s nothing that can replace “time on task.”

For the benefit everyone’s effort, please schedule vacations and student work schedules at times other than band camp.  It is very difficult to “make up” time missed during band camp because the kids learn by direct instruction and guided practice.  There is no “book” for the student to read to help them get caught up...they learn by doing. 

Students are REQUIRED to be in attendance daily, Monday through Friday.   The full band camp schedule, is as follows:

July:

19 (Mon.)        Band Camp                                 Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

20 (Tues.)       Band Camp                                 Band Room     8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00, 6:00-8:30

21 (Wed.)       Band Camp                                 Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

22 (Thurs.)      Band Camp                                 Band Room     8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00, 6:00-8:30

23 (Fri.)          Band Camp                                 Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

Pool Party                                           Location TBA             Time TBA

26-30 (M-F)      Percussion & Color Guard Camp    Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

                        Winds: sectionals on your own with section leaders (if you are in town)

 August:

2 (Mon.)          Band Camp                                  Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

3 (Tues.)           Band Camp                                Band Room     8:00-12:00, 1:30-5:00, 6:00-8:30

4 (Wed.)          Band Camp                                 Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

5 (Thurs.)         Band Camp                                 Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

6 (Fri.)              Band Camp                                Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30

                        BBQ                                          Band Room                 4:30pm

                        Ice Cream Social (Performance for parents & alumni)          6:00-8:00pm

9-10 (M-T)        Band Camp                                  Band Room                 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00

11 (Wed.)        Leadership Conference                 Parkway Central          4:30-7:00pm

                        This is a special interactive event for our Student Leaders with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser!

17 (Tues.)         First Day of School                       No after school Marching Band Rehearsal

18-20 (W-F)      After School Marching Band Rehearsals Begin                      3:15-5:30pm daily

Students should wear lightweight casual clothing and comfortable shoes with laces.  They should bring a thermos of ice water everyday to practice.  Marchers need to remember their own special needs such as sunscreen, hats, etc.  There is more to band Camp than just hard work.  Planned events such as an ice-cream social and swim party are some of the group’s summer activities.

During Band Camp, we typically spend the mornings outside learning drill formations and working on marching fundamentals.  In the afternoons, we are usually inside working on music.  Depending on the needs of the kids, we may also decide to work outside in the afternoons.  The staff closely monitors heat advisory and heat index information and will be following the same procedures and precautions as the athletic teams to protect the students’ health and safety.  Students will be given frequent water breaks to ensure hydration.  We encourage students to eat a good breakfast and avoid drinking soda.