Band Camp

On August 16^th 2010 Band Camp began with “Freshmen Wake-Ups.” At that time the Seniors, Juniors, And sophomores got up at 3 A.M. and sneak into the homes of the freshmen. We jumped on them while they slept in bed and then made them get dressed in silly clothes. We then took them out to eat breakfast. Some went to Perkins and some went to I Hop. After that we were ready for our first day.

Rehearsal started at 8 A.M. sharp. The first session went from 8 A.M. till noon with an hour for lunch. That day it was very hot and many people passed out but we all kept going. We marched, marched, and marched.

From noon until 1 we ate lunch right at the high school. We were all so tired from holding our hands up for so long we could hardly move. Now it was time to go back and rehearse.

From one until four we rehearsed inside the band room. We were broken down into groups called sectionals. The woodwinds were in one group, the brass in another and the percussion in the Band Room. This was done so that the band directors could hear each section individually. We were dismissed at four to have dinner and had to return by six.

From six until nine we practiced in the parking lot of the high school; since everything was cooled down so no one would pass out. During this time we learned our basic drill, which consisted of maintaining perfect posture, footing, and head movement.  Once that was done, we learned our figure eights which taught us how to face the audience no matter what position were in.  Now that the evening was over we could finally go home. This routine continued for one week until we had perfected not only the steps and routine, but also the music.

Our reward came when football season began and we played to the audience under the lights every Friday night during half time. We enjoyed going out onto the field and performing in front of the football audience. It was a perfect opportunity to show the people of Avon Lake how hard we worked on making the half time show possible. 

Marching band camp provided me an opportunity to meet new friends and develop a sense of pride of being part of the Avon lake High School marching band; this is something I will never forget.