Your Instrument Spiral note Book (provided for you) Water Bottle/Cooler Pencils (sharpened, with erasers) T-shirt (light colored) Shorts (comfortable, board shorts are ok, NO JEANS OR LONG PANTS) Socks and Tennis Shoes (NO SANDALS, FLIP-FLOPS, or other shoes inappropriate for marching on the FIELD) Sunglasses AND Hat Sunscreen (lots) Bug Spray (optional, but Can BE A life saver) daily transportation to and from (you cannot be late)
Why do I need all of these things?
Sunscreen: Sunburn is a given at band camp. Even if you never wear sunscreen, you need it at band camp because you will get tan, and possibly burnt.
Water: This one is obvious. You probably will sweat a lot at band camp. If you are not soaked by 10:15 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 or sugar drinks (kool-aid, juicy juice), it will just make things worse. Water is best, but sports drinks are acceptable too.
Clothes: Wear shorts every day to band camp. There's no big explanation. It's just going to be hot, SO take care of yourself!
Chapstick: Only if you think you'll need it - many brass player use this especially.
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.
Hat: It will keep the sun out of your eyes and face (Helps you avoid "Raccoon Eyes" from sunglasses)
Spiral note Book and pencil: Your note book (one will be supplied) is used to hold all of your drill. Make sure you have pencil accessible to make corrections in your music and to mark your position on your drill. Your spiral notebook contains all of your drill dots, should be available for easy access on the field. Place a string through the spiral and wear it on your body or horn.
What should I expect?
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 by others.
Expect the unexpected - every previous year's band camp holds several stories. Find an upperclassman for details.
But, also expect to learn the majority of this year's show and expect to be proud of the hard work you will put into making the NCHS Marching Ironmen one of the best bands around! There is nothing to fear about the camp experience.
Returning members look forward to camp as one of the highlights of their summer. The staff and upper-classmen work hard to provide a nurturing environment for first time members of the marching band.
the main things to remember ARE:
Respect the directors and staff.
Wear shorts and tennis shoes.
Bring your INSTRUMENT. ALWAYS HAVE A PENCIL, DRILL BOOK and set book.
Be Quiet and Listen to what you are being told.
Wear sunscreen, sunglasses AND A HAT.
Get to know people. Freshman, go out of your way to meet upperclassmen, it'll be worth it, I promise. upperclassmen, freshmen are people too, treat them like your little buddies.
Can’t stress enough to limit or postpone other activities during camp. The students will be exhausted and need their rest.
Prompt arrival is a must. At least 15-30 minutes before start, so they can get their instruments, bathroom, etc. and be on field or starting location at start time.
Have dentist appointments, doctor checkups, and school organized before season starts. Your student will have minimal time for these things until season is over.
Have tune-ups and repairs of your instruments done during the summer before camp.
Band camp is hard work! but you will find that there is something really cool about working hard, and then seeing the result of that hard work. Then being really proud of it.
