Camp Days

As students there are limited opinions you are able to voice to adults.
If your band camp experience has ever been in need of some help, here is your chance to be heard.

Directors are beginning to prepare for their summer band camps and may be able to use some input from students. So don't be afraid, speak up and be heard.

What do you want to get out of band camp?
What helps you learn?
How could your director make camp more fun for you?
What is your favorite band camp practice style?

Your Best Show Ideas

Last year some of the popular themes on the field were; Pirates of the Caribbean, Nightmare Before Christmas, Cirque du Soleil: Quidam. But now it's time to think about next year.

• What are some themes you have thought of?
• Tell us about your best idea for a show.

OR, if you are having trouble with specifics, share some show components that interest you.

• What style or mood do you like in a field show?
• Do you like lots of props? voice overs? equipment changes? solos?

Dream up any type of show you want, it is your band after all.

Director of the year

With the end of the school year quickly approaching we'd like to give everyone a chance to say a few words about their band director. Whether you are a senior with only a short time left of your high school days or your director will be retiring/leaving your school and you want to tell them how much their teaching has meant to you.

Share a memory of your director.
We'd love to know all about your "director of the year".

Uniforms

Uniforms have changed a lot over the years but the basic elements still apply. Pants, only long enough to touch the tops of your shoes. Jacket, formed just right. All of this in a barely breathable fabric of course.

Hats seem to vary quite a bit. Some are rounded, some hold plumes, most all have that plastic chin strap that will never go out of fashion.

What does your uniform look like?
Are there any wardrobe malfunctions we should know about?
Has anyone marched in the rain with their plumes? (Although this event is sure to make your plume less attractive, the real issue is the unpleasant smell plumes acquire when wet.)

And lastly, Is your band going for a record of Most Use out of Band Uniforms? How long has your school been donning that 'classic' uniform?

Taking a Trip?

Whether for a parade, to compete, or just for fun, band trips are pretty memorable.
The bus rides alone are sure to be interesting.

• What trip memories from this year or previous years would you like to share?
• Where did you travel to with your band?
• What parades did you march in?
• If you were in a parade, were you in front of the horses or sadly, behind?

As the directors choosing the trips, we want to hear your recommendations.

• Was there a trip that you'd recommend to other directors?
• What about sharing a tip that works for your band that other bands may utilize.
• Organization is key when traveling with all those kids, luggage and instruments.
• What do you do to stay on top of the chaos?

Ode To A Senior

To all you veterans of the HS marching band scene, your time is coming to an end. It's already mid-March and you'll soon be turning your heads toward college.
However, your last four years of experience should not be overlooked. Tell us what your experience has meant to you. Best/Worst stories from those days of learning drill, rehearsing tunes, pranks during band camp. Leave your legacy for the next great band student.


In hopes that your memories will only expand during college, here are some reasons to make sure you keep practicing this summer and sign up for band this next fall.

Reasons to be in College Band:

• Instant Friends! -freshmen may worry about meeting people when they step on campus, but it doesn't need to be you. You have 150 new friends instantly.
• Some extra cash! -it's true! Some college bands pay their band members a small amount to put in that extra time along side studying. If you plan to work anyway, why not make one source of income doing what you already love?
• De-stresser! -When you have your nose in books all day, you wake up from your afternoon nap thinking about your next test, what could help you de-stress and relax better than playing a great piece of music? Besides, Harvard even links Music and Arts Education with improved student performance, so replace that nap with your band class.

MYTH: College bands practice more that HS bands. It can be hard to imagine fitting all those classes, studying, band class and practice time into your schedule. But when you think about how much practicing you are doing in HS, you are better prepared than you think. Most college bands practice fewer hours than High School bands.

Tell us about your experiences in college band.
Are you one of those lucky paid college band students?
How many hours does your college or HS band practice a week?

Concert Bands

It's that time of year when concert band and solo/ensemble contests are taking place. What about your band?
Tell us about the music you are playing this year. Any good tunes? What about songs you could have lived without this year?

And to all of you students who somehow are able to play almost every instrument in the band, orchestra, and/or jazz band...We want to hear from you!
Let us know how many instruments you play! And no, your armpit doesn't count.

What's happening in the world of Indoor Percussion?

We want to hear about your shows. How did they go?
Are you still competing?
Where did you compete this year?
Feel like bragging...How did you do?

And of course, no one can go through indoor without some funny stories. Don't hesitate to give us all a good laugh.