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From 2021-22 Drum Majors Lisa Gray or Chaney Chapman:
"Band camp can be intimidating for incoming marchers (and let’s face it, for veteran marchers too!) We’ve decided to answer some common questions in this document so we can hopefully alleviate some stress!"
How long is band camp?
Usually the first three weeks of August. The schedule may vary a few days. We will let you know during practice, and through section group chats.
What should I bring with me?
Water (in a half gallon or full gallon jug), your instrument, sunscreen, your music and drill (once you get it from your section leaders!), a pencil, deodorant, and lunch. Definitely consider bringing a hat, portable fan, and bug spray! We also suggest bringing a towel for stretching, since the field may be wet in the mornings.
Where do I go?
Go to Door 4 at West Springfield HS and go into the band room (if you don’t know where it is, there will be signs!) We will meet there and then go outside to one of the fields.
Where do I get picked up?
Outside of door 4. There will be a long line of cars, so be patient! Feel free to sit on the rocks outside of door 4 and talk to your friends for a while until you see whoever is picking you up.
How will I know who my section leader is?
On the first day of band camp, you’ll walk in through door four and go into the auditorium. There, you’ll see section leaders wearing teal shirts that say section leader and the instrument they play; walk up to them and introduce yourself!
When will we get uniforms?
You’ll be measured during camp to fit your marching uniform and soon after you’ll be fitted to the best sized uniform for you! We don’t wear them until our first game, though, which is at the end of August after we’ve learned a good portion of our show.
How many people are in the marching band?
It varies each year by exact number, but we typically remain in the range of 120-140 people each year - plenty of opportunities to make friends!
Will I need to bring my own lunch?
Yes. You will need to bring a packed lunch which you will eat in the cafeteria and/or outside around noon.
What should I do if I don’t feel well during practice?
If you are sick, do not come to practice! BUT if you’re in the middle of practice and you suddenly feel dizzy or something like that, let your section leader know. They will tell you to fall out, sit on the sideline, and drink some water until you feel better. If your section leader isn’t around, let one of the drum majors, captains, or band staff members know! They will tell you to fall out as well, and one of us will sit with you to make sure you are okay. We will also be happy to take you inside if the heat is getting to you.
What do we do for 9 hours a day?
In the morning, we spend our time outside learning to march and learning the drill for our show! In the afternoon, we have lunch, then we learn the music for our show and work on memorizing it. We spend about half the time in sectionals and half the time practicing as a whole band.
How do you memorize all that music?
Practice!! We’re here for 3 weeks and we spend hours everyday working on memorizing. It’ll come to you! It's intimidating at first, but you’ll get it quickly :)
How do I rent a marching instrument?
There will be a form sent out and you can fill it out then. You can also talk to Helen (our band manager) about it.
What should I wear to band camp?
In the August heat, you’ll want a pair of shorts and a t-shirt or tank top, nothing too tight to avoid trapped heat. You’ll also want a good pair of tennis shoes as we’ll be exercising for a good chunk of the day. Additionally, we recommend sunglasses, a hat, deodorant (please), and maybe an extra pair of socks because sometimes the ifeld is wet and you don’t want your feet wet for the entire day.
When do we perform?
We perform our show at home games during halftime and at competitions. We will also have a parent preview where we will perform, and your parents will even have a chance to join you on the field when we’re done! When we aren’t performing at games, we do pep band, which entails us playing popular, fun songs that get the crowd going!
What should I know about section group chats?
They are on Whatsapp! Section leaders will create them and add everyone in the section, and will send out updates on it. Be sure to check it, and the group description for any important information!
I want to try out for leadership next year. What should I do?
There will be an audition process towards the end of the school year, around April or May. There’s a written portion, a teaching demonstration, and an interview. Talk to a section leader, captain, or drum major about the process if you have any specific questions! We’ll be happy to help :)
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