Welcome to Band Camp!

This is where all the planning and preparations come together.  The music has been arranged, the drill has been laid out, and section leaders have prepped their teams.  The new show's music scores are distributed to students via the Section Leaders during the summer so that the students can practice to get off to a good start, and the show season T-Shirts are ordered.  Parent camp volunteers  have filled the ranks to assist with water duty, hoping for the earliest preview of the developing show.

Excitement is in the air as new friends are made and veterans catch up with the crowd after the short summer break.  Hard work and hot weather do not dull their enthusiasm.   Everyone is learning and giving it their best to get into condition for the new season.

Be Prepared for Band Camp

To be prepared for Band Camp 2007, students and parents need to be aware of the following requirements:

Also consider the following "camp tips" from experienced marchers.  Eat a healthy breakfast before you come!!!!  Students will need to bring bag lunches for the hour long lunch break; they then need to go home or off campus during the two hour dinner break.  Avoid caffeine and sodas since they are dehydrating.  You can bring your own spray water bottle with attached fan, and the camp volunteers also have refreshing frozen wash cloths and freezer pops to give you a boost during the heat. 

What to Expect at Band Camp

Keeping up with the demanding schedule can be a challenge, but the rewards are great.   Rookies will learn to march in Freshman Mini-Camp; individual music scores will eventually blend into a heavenly bliss during Music Camp; and heads will turn as the drum line's cadence resounds wherever they march in tight formation.  The last week of full-day Marching Band Camp is spent melding all these skills, so as  to be able to roll your feet and march to specified positions as indicated in students' coordinate books, AND hold an ever-heavier band instrument in proper position, AND play memorized music.  This is serious multi-tasking, and requires repetition, repetition, repetition.  After all, they say practice makes PERFECT!  Don't worry -- there are a lot of fun and games while learning, and a lot of support.  A good sense of humor and camaraderie can get you through it.  Your section leader is there providing guidance during break out sessions to help you succeed and help your group work as a unit.  Always remember to pay attention to your leaders -- the drum major, the professional coaches, and the director Mr. Rowe!  There is a structured flow to each full day of band camp, so be sure you are familiar with the schedule.  Focus on the upcoming accomplishment, and really get your needed rest.  Once learned, the show is so exciting to perform!

The outdoor marching practices are scheduled for the early morning and/or evening, and indoor music practice is scheduled indoors during the hottest afternoon sun.  We hope the weather forecast cooperates with our plans.  Remember that when you periodically are called to stand at attention, you need to keep your cool and don't even move to swat the flying pests.  Everyone is expected to take shifts moving equipment out to the field and back, so look at the daily duty roster board to find your assignment.  And, when it is time to gather in a group to listen to Mr. Rowe's instruction, please give your full attention.

There are plenty of perks planned during Camp.  Marching Band will hold its annual Marching Band Picnic on the Sunday between mini camp and full camp, and families should come to hear the news.  Camp will end on Friday, August 10th with a Parent Preview  Performance  at 7:00 pm  as the Campers demonstrate what they have learned.  Families should bring their lawn chairs and get to the field early for the best seats in the house.  Check the LINKS above for details.

We Need Your Help

How do you manage a successful Band Camp and beyond?  Listed below are a number of ways you can be involved along, with the contact information for each area. Please let that person know that you are interested in helping.  You may click here ( - requires userid to view the personal names) to see a list of current band camp volunteers, and/or to be sure that you are already on the list. 
Volunteers have the opportunity to:

Where will you be during Band Camp?  It is great to be involved during the launch of the season.  Make the most of the experience and support your child's extra-curricular activity.  Show your high school student how important they are to you (parents can also volunteer throughout the season in many capacities; click Volunteer to find out how).  In fact, some observers have been known to park in the lot just to get a look at the field and the emerging show.