How to Survive at Band Camp

While most students have the summer off, those in marching band spend the majority of their summer vacation smelly, sweaty and exhausted from band camp. Band camp is the daily summer time practices intended for marching band members to learn the music and field positions for their fall show. It's hard work and you do nothing but wish it were over, but it's worth it in the end. Follow these steps below to ensure that you survive band camp.

Things You'll Need

• Instrument
• Athletic attire
• Water bottle
• Position charts
• Music

Instructions

1. Get plenty of rest each night and eat healthy foods. A good night's sleep and good nutrition will help curb exhaustion and allow you to concentrate better.

2. Dress appropriately. The best attire is a t-shirt or tank top, loose and lightweight athletic shorts or pants, socks and good tennis shoes. Band camp often starts early in the morning and it may be cool, so you may want a sweatshirt or jacket as well.

3. Be prepared for the hot weather. Fill a large water bottle and freeze it the night before so that the water lasts longer and is always cold--it is essential that you stay hydrated. Also, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen.

4. Arrive on time, or early, which is even better. In fact, most band directors expect their students to be early, as you may often hear that "on time is late and five minutes early is on time."

5. Bring all of the necessities, including your instrument, water, your music and your position flow charts. Coming to band camp empty handed will only cause the band director to be harder on you and make for an even more difficult day (or week, depending on your how strict your band director is).

6. Spend quality time with band friends during breaks and after camp each day. This will give you the opportunity to vent about the day's grueling activities and laugh together about each other's mistakes. It makes band camp more bearable.

7. Practice your music and routines outside of band camp, such as on the weekends. While you may desire to take a break from all the work, extra practice will make each day of band camp easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay optimistic as much as possible. A good attitude will make everything seem a little easier.

• Additional items that will help make band camp easier to bear may include a squirt bottle filled with water (to help cool off by spraying yourself), a portable fan and money to eat lunch with your friends.

• Don't wear denim shorts or jeans because you can't move in them as easily and they can chafe.

• Don't wear sandals. Moreover, avoid wearing worn out tennis shoes; instead, be sure they are in good shape for optimal performance.