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WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE STUDENTS IN MARCHING BAND?
Students are
expected to attend a two week-long band camp at Warren Central High
School.
Students are also expected to attend rehearsals. Students need
to be at practices and
strive to do their best at each practice and competition.
HOW MUCH TIME IS SPENT PRACTICING?
Camps – Band camp is held at
Warren Central where the students focus on music and drill for
the up coming show. There are also intense team building and
leadership skills that are learned at band camp.
After school practices -
Generally Band and Colorguard members
will
attend marching sectionals throughout the marching
season as scheduled by the band directors.
HOW EASY WILL IT BE TO GET TO KNOW OTHER BAND MEMBERS?
Big Blue
marching band has a history of being a second family to their members.
Many of the students who have experienced marching band have developed
friendships with students of different grade levels. The students (and parents) try to be
friendly and are willing to help each other out with transportation
etc.
WHAT KIND OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING DO I NEED TO MARCH IN BAND?
Marching is a
difficult and physically strenuous activity. BUT it is possible for
ALL students who are willing to make the effort to be a part of
marching band. It is recommended that the student begin to do some
exercise prior to band camp. At camp and during practices students
learn to do stretches and at times run or jog to increase their
physical endurance in preparation for the requirements of the show.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT UNIFORMS?
Marching Band:
Fittings – Uniforms are
fitted to the students each year. Uniform fittings begin with the
seniors and continue through the freshmen. It is important that each
student gets fitted each year for a uniform (sizes change for many
kids). Fitting schedules and times will be announced.
Uniform Parts – The marching
uniform consists of a jacket, a pair of pants, a shako (helmet) or beret (tubas), a Crow (plume),
a pair of gloves, and a pair of black drill master shoes. In
addition, students are required to supply certain personal items
including a pair of black socks. Students often have to
change in public areas and should plan undergarments accordingly!
(ie.. wear shorts and tee shirts under uniform). All uniform parts (except
for personal items and gloves) are stored in a special garment bag in
the uniform closet at the band room.
How to wear uniforms –
Students are taught proper care and respect of uniforms when they are
fitted for a uniform. Students MUST be responsible for returning ALL
pieces of uniforms to the proper location between and after
competitions and events.
Cleaning –
Parents/students
are responsible for laundering gloves and personal items (socks and
items worn under the uniform). A uniform committee will be responsible
for washing and maintaining the uniforms.
Color Guard:
Fittings –
Uniform fittings are done each year.
Uniform Parts
– body suit, outer body suit/uniform,
gloves, guard shoes, make-up, other personal items.
How to wear uniforms –
Students are taught proper care and respect of uniforms when they are
given a uniform. Students MUST be responsible for returning ALL pieces
of uniforms to the proper location between and after competitions and
events.
Cleaning -
Parents/students
are responsible for laundering gloves, socks, and items worn under the
uniform.
WHAT KIND OF RECOGNITION IS GIVEN TO MARCHING BAND MEMBERS?
Each spring there is
a Band Banquet that students and families are
invited to attend. Awards for various categories are given out by the
Band Staff. Students also get their participation certificates and
letters, etc. during this ceremony. Trophies and medals for
championships are given at the various competitions/concerts.
Band Camp Information:
WHAT TYPE OF SUPERVISION IS THERE AT BAND CAMP?
Chaperones are
carefully selected by the Band staff to ensure the students have
adequate and appropriate supervision when they are not practicing with
the band. The chaperones act as substitute
parents for the students while they are at camp and are available to
help students through various “crises” that occur in a teenagers life.
Staff is also available as resources to the students at camp.
WHERE IS BAND CAMP HELD?
Band camp is
usually held at Warren Central High School in mid to end of July.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO BAND CAMP?
Sunscreen (lots)
Lots of socks
Snacks (especially healthy ones)
Water bottle
Music
Instrument
Money for snacks and pizza
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE STUDENTS AT CAMP?
Drink lots of
water! It is easy to get
dehydrated quickly when marching. Marching is generally done early in
the morning and in the evening. Students don’t generally march in the
middle of the day to help prevent heat-related problems. Students are
expected to learn to be on time at all activities. Students also
learn to take proper care of their instruments at camp. Students are
expected to learn to cooperate with each other and staff to enable the
band to perform at the highest level possible. Students are encouraged
to push themselves hard and strive for the extra little bit of effort
at camp and in all practices and competitions.
It is very possible
that you will be very tired after camp. It is recommended that you
don’t plan for a heavy duty/action-packed weekend after camp. On the
other hand some students come back from camp with lots of extra energy
and excitement. ALL students can expect to come home with lots of
laundry and fun memories.
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