Student Information/Concerns:
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE
STUDENTS IN MARCHING BAND?
Students
are expected to attend a week-long band camp at Urbana University.
Students are also expected to attend rehearsals though occasional
excused absences may be made for rehearsals. Memorization of music
prior to band camp is highly encouraged and is expected as the season
progresses and the music is modified to fit the program. Students are
also expected to want to be at practices and strive to do their best
at each practice and competition.
HOW MUCH TIME IS SPENT
PRACTICING?
Pre-camps
– Generally there are 2 to 4 evening practices in June and July
where the students are given music for the up coming show.
In addition there are usually 2 nights for rookies in July. The
week before band camp, students meet at school from 9:00 a.m. –
Noon, Monday through Friday; with an extra session from 1:30 p.m. -
3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
Camps
– Band camp is a week away from home (Sunday through Friday or
Saturday). Usually, this camp is held at Urbana University 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. Band camp is a closed camp where visitors are not
permitted so the students can focus on the up-coming marching season.
This may be the first time some students have been away from
home for an extended time and can be stressful for students and
parents alike. Parents
are NOT encouraged to visit during this concentrated week of practice.
Post-camp
– After band camp, practice is held from 9:00 a.m. – Noon, Monday
through Friday; with an extra session from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on
Tuesday and Thursday.
After
school practices
-
Band and Colorguard members are to attend twice-weekly full
marching sectionals throughout the marching season on Mondays and
Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Marching band members attend
music sectionals on Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. All
colorguard members are to attend weekly sectional practices on Mondays
from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday
Mini Band camps
– During September and October there are some Saturdays that are
used for additional practices in preparation for competitions. Exact
dates and times will be announced.
HOW EASY WILL IT BE TO
GET TO KNOW OTHER BAND MEMBERS?
Bellbrook
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. Each
rookie marcher is given a big brother/big sister to help them through
their first year of marching band. 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 bib pants, a
pair of gauntlets, a cinch, 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 black tee shirt (with sleeves), a pair of black
socks, and a pair of black "bike" (spandex) shorts.
Students often have to change in public areas and should plan
undergarments accordingly! (hence the black shorts and tee shirts).
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 and are coordinated with a representative
from Fred J. Miller Inc.
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. There is a committee of parents who
periodically take home and wash groups of uniforms.
WHAT KIND OF RECOGNITION IS
GIVEN TO MARCHING BAND MEMBERS?
Each
fall there is a Band and Guard Recognition Dinner that students and
families are invited to attend. Awards for various categories are
given out by the Music Staff. Students also get their participation
certificates and letters, etc. during this ceremony.
Trophies and medals for championships are given at the various
competitions. There is also an awards ceremony in the spring during
the Spring Concert for music activities that take place after the
marching season.
Band Camp Information:
WHAT TYPE OF SUPERVISION IS
THERE AT BAND CAMP?
Chaperones
are carefully selected by the music staff to ensure the students have
adequate and appropriate supervision when they are not practicing with
the band. There is always a nurse or medical person available to the
students and staff for emergencies. 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.
Band
camp is usually held at Urbana University in Urbana Ohio at the
beginning of August. Band camp is a closed camp. Visitors are not
allowed. This helps the students maintain focus on their performance
and preparation for the season.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO BAND
CAMP?
Sunscreen
(lots)
Lots of socks
Several pairs of shoes (not sandals)
Bedding or sleeping bag (sheets)
Fans (as air conditioners don’t always work)
Snacks (especially healthy ones)
Water bottle
Music
Music Stand
Instrument
PJ’s
Personal Hygiene (toothbrush etc.)
Towels and wash cloths
Money for snacks and pizza
Props and clothes for skit night
Dress outfit for dance night
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.
I
HAVE HEARD HORROR STORIES OF BAND CAMP FATIGUE. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
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.