Band camp can be described in many ways- hot, sweaty, and lengthy included- and yet year after year so many of us find ourselves back on the field warming up. Whether you're a music major or not, marching season is incredibly rewarding if you survive band camp. As Jane Fonda said in a series of 1980's aerobics videos, "No pain, no gain" so with band camp rapidly approaching let us reminisce before we experience.
1. There'll be a lot of dread leading up to it.
Your summer is coming to a screeching halt and you have to buy more sunscreen. You aren't close to being ready. There's still so much Netflix to binge uninterrupted, plus the last time you checked the calendar it was still weeks away. Maybe you are only halfway through Stranger Things. Where did all of that time go?
2. Then comes the excitement
Marching season is about to start and you're going to show it what you're made of. This is what you've trained for. This is what band camp is all about. Get pumped. Band camp is a necessary trial to set the entire band on the right track for the fall semester, plus it can be kind of fun. There is no bonding like band camp bonding.
3. Last minute hydration
You know you'll hate yourself if you don't drink enough water leading up to that first day in the sun. Now your life consists of guzzling down as much of the stuff as you can handle. Put that Brita filter to use a little more than usual. #Hydrate.
4. Why is it so hot?
You spent time outside this summer so you thought you knew how bad it would be, but now that the AC is just a distant memory you realize that you've entered the fiery depths of Mordor. There is no escape from the South's heat and humidity. There is only sweat and regret.
5. Water break, please.
It feels like we've been through these sets one thousand times. You're praying for the sweet, sweet release of a water break. Do you remember how amazing water tastes? You don't want to say that you'd do unspeakable things for it, but...
6. When it's actually time for the water break
Finally, it's time for you and your water bottle to get very personal and acquainted. Water has never been so good to you. Whether it is thirty seconds or ten minutes, the time you have to sit and rest for a spell is the most rejuvenating sensation next to falling into your bed after the day is over.
7. The last day is always the best.
Look at all of the hard work, long hours, and bodily fluids you and your peers have put into this show. You survived band camp and you are well on your way to being ready for the first game. Rehearsal will feel so easy after this. Congratulations!
