Q&A for How to Survive Band Camp

Keep in mind that other campers probably have the same worries. The important thing isn't to be the best at camp, but to improve during the course of the camp. If there are campers who are more advanced than you, think of it as an opportunity to learn from them and improve your own playing.

Make sure you stay hydrated during the entire camp and wear very loose and light colored clothing. You might need to drink something that gives energy, but not heavy with sugar. Eat nutritious foods, enough to get you through the day.

Just speak to the bandleader or camp official about your condition. Do as much as you can, but take breaks when you need to.

Try building your strength and just do the best you can. You'll eventually get used to it and get better.

Most band camps start early in the morning and end in the mid-afternoon. Most band camps are just day camps, but there are some overnight ones.

Yes, starting in high school, students are required to know their position on field. Depending on the size of the band and how the director wants the show to look, the formations can vary from small to large. You do not have to worry because there will be student leaders and the teachers walking around to assist you if you get confused.

it depends. For a majority of bands, if you are on color guard, you must go to band camp.

If there's something seriously wrong, tell someone or go to the camp doctor or nurse. But don't go to the doctor for something small and don't complain too much over something small.

Yes, you will need to go to band camp no matter what instrument you play. Sometimes section leaders will call sectionals outside of band camp, and you should go to those as well.

Know your spot, and try to march to the beat in the amount of time given. Think of your song in different phrases. Each phrase is a set. Also try to remember, unless it is a hold, that you immediately have to go to your next spot. So, if you are a couple steps off, it is okay.

Yes. You can be assured that the band director won't refrain from giving you laps because you're sore.

Do push-ups, planks, and crunches as part of your practice on your own time. It will help build arm and core muscles, which you need to maintain a stable playing position with a heavier instrument.

This depends on who the director or section leader is. Try not to make them mad and you won't have to do laps other than a warmup.

Drink lots of water, and talk to your doctor about ways to prevent the symptoms.

It doesn't matter if you mess up sometimes in camp. Make sure that you are friendly to the upperclassmen. Don't try to correct their errors, leave that to the band director or somebody older. Nobody likes being told that they're wrong, especially by somebody younger than them. Talk to the older kids during their breaks, and maybe even ask them for pointers on how to improve, but pay attention and take the hint if they seem like they don't want you around.

Just try to memorize your left to right measurements. However, if its a cover down, try adjusting with the people next to you and try to get your dot.

For color guard specifically, I would recommend electrical tape (white + black) for your equipment, gloves (especially for rifle and sabre), and a string to tie your dot book around your waist. Most of everything else that wind players bring applies to guard as well.

Handling a heavy instrument like a sousaphone will be a little difficult at first but you’ll build up endurance and it’ll get easier over time. Make sure to allow yourself to take breaks when you need to and drink plenty of water. If you’re having any other difficulties, talk to an upperclassman or drum major. You can do it!

Look online for one in your area, or see if your school offers one. There are lots of camps in different areas for people of all ages and abilities.

The typical clothing would be shorts and a t-shirt/ tank top, athletic wear. Some color guard people wear color guard shirts and others just comfortable-to-move-in clothes. Try not to wear black. Be aware of the weather.

Clarinets could go on carry on bag for safe keeping and handling.