HOW TO PREPARE FOR BAND CAMP

Wednesday, May 31, through Friday, June 2
Mini Band Camp  For all students who will be in the Western HS Marching Band and Color Guard in the Fall of 2023
  • 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Wednesday - Friday) - Western HS
Student and Parent Marching Band and Color Guard Meeting
  • 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Band Room

Fall 2023 Band Camp Dates

     All Member Camp (Band and Color Guard)
  • Saturday, July 29 through Friday, August 4; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

SOME EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES AT BAND CAMP:
  • Issue instruments, music, uniforms, equipment and supplies
  • Make friends, meet new people and plan some social events to encourage bonding
  • Train leaders and define their responsibilities
  • Distribute season schedules, handbooks and fund raising material
  • Discuss rules, regulations, goals, philosophies, and purpose
  • Define rehearsal procedures, warm-ups, tuning procedures and work ethics
  • Teach and refine music fundamentals.  Learn and memorize drills
  • Learn how to work effectively in sectional rehearsals
  • Review traditions, cheers, cadences, school songs and membership requirements
  • Observe videos and listen to recordings of model ensembles
  • Learn how to read drill charts and make your own "Dot Book" (personalized drill spots)
  • Bring in specialized instructors to assist with teaching and learning of music and drill
  • Enjoy some recreation and entertainment
  • Take pictures for website, end of year "Banquet Video", and press releases
  • Pot Luck Performance (now scheduled later in the month) to demonstrate accomplishments
     Band camp can be hot and long but if you properly prepare for this event you will have a lot of fun. Band camp is the most important part of our season each year and your attendance is very important. All students who march are expected to attend every day of band camp. Rookie members follow a slightly different schedule than upperclassmen so please check the calendar on this website for the latest schedule. If you have a medical condition of any kind please inform the director before we begin any outdoor activities. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

  • What is the attendance policy for band camp?
    Because Band Camp only runs for 10+ days, (different now because school starts earlier.  Camp is spread out some during school) every day contains large amounts of instructions and rehearsals – a day’s absence, therefore, will have a significant impact on the individual student’s contribution to the show and also significantly affects the entire band’s progress. The policy therefore calls for 100% attendance if at all possible.

  • What if a schedule conflict does arise?
    Please attempt to resolve any such conflict in favor of the published Band Camp schedule. If unable to do so, please communicate the conflict to the Band Director at the earliest possible date. 

  • Where is Band Camp held?
    Band Camp activities are held on the campus of Western High School. Indoor music rehearsal will be held in the band room; outdoor rehearsals will be held on the practice field located beside Western Ave.  Specific location information will be announced to students as required.

  • What do students do at Band Camp?
    The members of the band and color guard will be immersed in preparing for the upcoming season. We will be learning and practicing the basics of correct marching, we will be rehearsing the music as a group, we will divide the band into sections and have rehearsals with guest instructors for each section, and we will learn the specific drill moves for our field show. In addition to all of this, we will have a lot of fun getting to know each other. 

  • What will student marchers need for Band Camp?
    Hat
    Personal water bottle
    Sunscreen with a high SPF
    Light, loose–fitting clothing which meets school dress code requirements.            If you think that something might be too tight or too short or too revealing, it probably is. 
  • Sneakers and socks
  • Instrument, flags, dot books or any other equipment needed
  • Pen/pencil
  • A good breakfast
  • Light, nutritious snacks. 

  • What if the temperature gets very hot during Band Camp?
    While August temperatures can be warm, student’s safety is paramount for all of us. Every effort will be made to conduct rehearsals on the practice field whenever possible. Our Band Director will however, refer daily to weather forecasts and will move rehearsal indoors when temperatures and /or heat indexes get extreme. Water breaks will be given in order to keep students hydrated. A wet towel across the back of the neck can be very cooling.

  • What should I, as a parent, expect my child to experience during Band Camp?
    Band camp is a rigorous, stimulating, tiring, and exhilarating experience for the student marcher and for their parents. Your child will get very tired and will need to get a good amount of rest in order to keep up. Likewise, getting a good balanced meal will fuel their “marching machines” during camp. There may be some occasional frustrations when fatigue hits-they may question whether they can do it or whether the work is worthwhile. Your parental encouragement can significantly assist your child as they go through their daily schedule. Their effort is certainly “worth it” and will pay off in immeasurable ways for the rest of his or her life!
  • Click the link below to learn about the benefits of drinking lots of water!