Marching Band Camp is the “official” kick off to the Marching Band Season. While there are summer rehearsals that take place prior to Band Camp that students are expected to attend if they are in town, Band Camp is the first mandatory rehearsal week, and all members are required to be in attendance.
The 2023 Band Camp dates are July 10th - July 19th.
July 2023 - Water Duty Signup
For all rehearsals spanning the lunch hour, students need to either pack a lunch, or parents need to deliver lunch to their student. No student will be permitted to leave campus for lunch, with the exception of walking to Circle K or Rita’s to purchase items.
For all rehearsals spanning the dinner hour, dinner options will be provided and delivered to the school for all students who have pre-ordered and paid for the meal. Menus will be provided and collected with monies at both Forms Nights, as well as each morning outside the Band Room at Band Camp. If your student does not wish to eat the meals provided, you may either pack or deliver dinner meals. No student will be permitted to leave campus for lunch, with the exception of walking to Circle K or Rita’s to purchase items.
There are a list of items that students will need to pack in a duffel bag and bring to each rehearsal with them. Please go over this list and ensure that your student is in compliance. Some items are necessary for students’ learning drill and music, and some items are necessary for their health and safety. It is essential that ALL items are at each rehearsal. The list is as follows:
- Water Jug – at least one gallon in size. Jug must be filled with ice and water at home and brought to Camp each day. There will be parents in attendance, doing Water Duty at every rehearsal to refill water jugs as needed – but the importance of having a full jug upon arrival cannot be overstated.
- Sunscreen - aerosol is best - and students should apply first at home, and reapply on breaks during the day. It is best to have an extra can on hand at all times.
- Appropriate Clothing - for the outdoors - shorts, light colored shirts, hats to shade the face, and tennis shoes with socks. Having an extra shirt and pair of socks in the duffel bag is always a good idea.
- Sidewalk Chalk – this is necessary for students to learn their drill.
- Three Ring Binder - Soft sided – must be filled with clear sheet protectors to hold music.
- Pen and Pencil
- Bug Spray - especially important for Guard, as they occasionally practice in the grassy courtyard.
Each family is needed to sign up for a minimum of five (5) shifts on Water Duty for the season to be successful. Without your help, our kids will not get the water refills they need during practice.
Families are also needed to donate fruit – this is typically frozen and will be handed out to students during water breaks during Band Camp. Favorites include grapes (pulled from the stems), pineapple (fresh, diced), oranges (sliced), and apples (sliced). All fruit must be prepared at home and delivered to a Water Duty volunteer at the start of practice in a large Ziploc baggie.
Water Duty
July 2023 - Water Duty Signup
Band Camp is hard, but rewarding work for students. Amidst the work, there is also fun. Student Leadership will plan theme days, and students are encouraged to dress according to the theme. Schedule will be posted when it is devised.
Parents often come to watch the last 30 minutes of rehearsals, and the progress that can be witnessed daily is impressive. Please come up with your folding chair and something cold to drink – it’s a great way to support the kids and meet other Band Families.
