The following is a message from Band Director Loujaue McPherson ahead of the Sto-Rox Marching Band’s band camp. It runs from Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 11 and from Monday, August 14 to Wednesday, August 16 at Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School. Camp will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Read on for tips and advice from Mr. McPherson and remember - the band and color guard is always looking for students to join! Reach out to Mr. McPherson if you’d like to be part of the marching band.
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Band Camp is on the horizon! This is what you need and why you need it:
Sun/Heat Protection
Hat or Cap - A wide brim is recommended to help keep the sun out of your eyes. Something that covers your neck is even better! You can find hats that cover your neck in stores specializing in equipment for outdoor activities, as well as many online retailers.
Sunglasses
Keeping the sun out of your eyes will help you stay focused and attentive during band camp, and sunglasses keep your eyes protected from harmful UV rays that can create both short and long-term damage.
Appropriate Clothing
It’s also important to have comfortable, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes. Loose-fitting clothes allow your body to ventilate the heat better, while light-colored clothes don’t absorb heat as much as dark colors do (check with your band director/school for clothing policies, of course). The CDC has these tips and many others for preventing heat-related issues.
Comfortable Athletic Shoes
Wearing comfortable athletic shoes is a must! In fact, I can guarantee that any open-toed shoes or flip-flops will not be allowed by your director, though during free time may be a different story.
At the risk of stating the obvious, you’re going to be on your feet all day – you don’t need the blisters that would come from inappropriate footwear.
Many shoes would prevent you from marching properly in the first place, so it’s a good idea to have a good pair of sneakers or tennis shoes (or whatever you call them where you’re from!) and leave most everything else at home.
Additionally: no Crocs or flip-flops will be allowed on the field!
Sunscreen
We recommend sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30, and enough to reapply multiple times daily. Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels – these products work best.
Water/Hydration (Gatorade and the like)
Be sure to have an insulated, refillable container that can be used throughout the day. Drink regularly, as the heat of band camp can dehydrate you quickly. Your body needs its fluids replenished often in the heat. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty!
A Good Attitude
There’s no substitute for a good attitude when beginning a time of intensive training like band camp. Come to camp well-rested and ready to work hard each day. Be focused and attentive. Be willing to listen to your director and band camp staff, as well as field commanders and other student-leadership.
Have patience with your bandmates, because everyone is learning; from the rookies – to which all of this is so new – to the upperclassmen who have been through this before and know the “tricks of the trade”.
Every marching band season brings with it its own lessons and challenges, so be ready to deal with them with a good attitude and a positive approach. The goal is to have fun while putting a great show on the field.
If everyone is focused on that, both the fun and the product will come.
Loujaue McPherson, Band Director
lmchpherson@srsd.k12.pa.us