Band Camp Survival Guide THE ARDREY KELL HIGH SCHOOL BAND "GUIDE TO BAND CAMP SURVIVAL" Band camp is not the worst thing in the world. The worst thing in the world is to come to band camp unprepared. The following guide should help you arrive at band camp prepared, and more importantly, survive. I. What To Bring There are three essentials that you must have: 1) Socks and tennis shoes. (NO SANDALS, FLIP-FLOPS, or OTHER SHOES INAPPROPRIATE FOR MARCHING AROUND A FOOTBALL FIELD!) 2) **Your instrument** (Yes, there have been a few that have forgotten this before...) 3) A small note pad that you can put a string thru and wear around your neck (you won't need this for the first band camp) & A PENCIL!! (you will need this all of the time) The above things are required by Mr. Shane and the Ardrey Kell Band program. However, many upperclassmen will tell you that the following are just as essential: *A hat or some other head covering *Sunscreen *To have eaten breakfast *A water bottle/cooler Leave out any of the above and there is a strong possibility you will get sick at band camp. The truth is, there is no excuse to get sick at band camp (unless you truly have a disease). Much sickness at camp can be avoided just by taking care of the above items. Now, on to the less essential but still important checklist: *Shorts *DCT / Chapstick  *Sunglasses *Lunch or money for lunch II. Why The Essentials Are Essential Sunscreen: sun poisoning, although rare at camp, is not fun. Sunburn, guaranteed from camp, is not exactly pleasant either. Yes, you will get a "band tan" even if you use sunscreen, but believe me, even if you never wear sunscreen, YOU NEED IT at band camp. Breakfast: We have seen far too many freshmen throw up and have to sit out the first day of band camp because they did not eat breakfast. You must eat breakfast during camp. It will not sit like a lump in your stomach or make you feel sick while you are marching. Water: This one is obvious.You probably will sweat a lot at band camp. If you are not soaked by 9:15 each morning, see a doctor soon, because you are very sick. During breaks, you will need to fill up with water. Important note: Do not bring water bottles filled with carbonated sodas, it will just make things worse. Water is best, but sports drinks are acceptable too. Did I mention bring water? Shorts: Wear shorts every day to band camp. - no big explanation - it's gonna be hot. DCT or Chapstick: Only if you think you'll need it - many brass player use this especially. I like DCT (made by Blistex) better. Sunglasses: These definitely keep the UV light from your eyes and make the glare bearable, since you have to look up, sometimes into the sun. (It is acceptable to close your eyes at attention if you are standing still, facing into the sun, but that's impractical if you are moving.) Hat (or some other appropriate head covering): It will keep the sun out of your eyes and face (preventing "Rocky Raccoon" tan lines around your eyes, which look silly in your school pictures.) Lunch: Some people prefer to stay in the band room and eat a packed lunch (no stigma there--some of the best social time is lunch hour at the band room). If you have a car, you can venture a little farther (assuming mom and dad allow). Freshmen and others without cars: make sure it's cool with your parents, but you can usually find a ride with an upperclassman, just make sure you have permission. You AND the driver could be in for big trouble if you do not have parental permission to ride with someone else. III. What To Expect At Band Camp Expect to work, and work really hard. Expect a suntan or sunburn, with tan lines from your shirt and socks. Expect to get bossed around a little. Expect the unexpected - every previous year's band camp holds several stories. Find an upperclassman for details. Most of all, expect to learn the majority of this year's show, have some fun doing it, and expect to be proud of the hard work you will put into making the Ardrey Kell Band one of the best bands around! IV. What To Do There are several things you can do to make band camp a little easier on yourself. Show up: There have been a few cases of people who completely messed up and didn't realize that there was a band camp, or that band camp was required. Be on time: You are responsible for being on time. You cannot blame this on traffic, on car trouble, or on your parents. You take full responsibility for it. The only exception is if you call the band room at 980-343-1378 BEFORE the time you are supposed to arrive and explain the situation (ie car trouble, parents overslept, etc). Early is on time, on time is late!!! Behave: Just get in line, stay in step, do whatever is asked of you. Mr. Shane is not a slave driver, and if you work hard he will take note - as well as the other members around you. Also, behaving tends to get things done a lot quicker (nothing worse than rerunning a drill set over and over again because the band isn't behaving correctly!) Keep cool: Both literally and physically. First make sure you are not overheating (the intent is not to make anyone sick), but also keep a calm mind. So you can't hit the line the first time you try it? You can't sightread your part perfectly? That's ok, as long as you keep trying your hardest and listen graciously to advice, you WILL eventually get it. V. Final Notes - The Most Important Things To Remember Respect the directors, staff, officers & upperclassmen (they have done this before and know what they're talking about) and no one will get hurt. Eat breakfast EVERY DAY. Drink plenty of water or gatorade during every break (sodas are not allowe during rehearsals). Wear shorts and tennis shoes. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Bring your instrument. Always have a pencil and your note pad (called a drill book). Get to know the people in your Band family - freshman, go out of your way to meet upperclassmen (it will be worth it) and upperclassmen, please remember that freshmen are people too!!! Band camp is hard work, but you will find that working hard and then seeing the results of that hard work is something to be really proud of. Remember, excellence is not just for sometimes, excellence is for all of the time!!!