If you are or ever were in marching band, then you probably have experienced the glorious days—or not so glorious days—of band camp. For those who are unfamiliar, band camp is where you learn the entire halftime show in a duration of typically two weeks. These two weeks are packed full grueling events, which sometimes can either make the time go by fast or slow. These are 10 things every marching band kid has experienced.
1. The Sun
You may want the sun to shine down if you are laying out on the nice breezy beach to get a tan going, but at band camp all everyone wants is for the sun to stay behind the clouds! The sun shinning makes for a miserable day. Especially when you are an auxiliary and are trying to toss either a flag/rifle/saber or baton but can't ever catch anything because you can't see! Someone please make a remix of "Oh, Mr. Sun" where we sing about him going away instead of coming out!
2. Sunscreen
Basically needing SPF 2,748,939.
3. Tan Lines
When you're outside under the sun for up to and maybe over eight hours a day for two weeks, you get some weird tan lines. It's not like you are in a bathing suit. You wear different shirt types and variations of shorts daily. It makes for an interesting conversation with all the different lines on your back. And let's talk about every ones favorite: The tennis shoe tan lines. Probably the least attractive thing ever is having impeccably pale feet starting from where your sock ended. Goodbye sandals, hello self tanning lotion.
4. "One More Time"
This one should go without saying. Everyone knows when you're band director says one more time, he/she actually means 1,000,000 more times.
5. Being Out of Step
Oh, the struggles of being out of step. Everyone knows left is on odds and right is on evens, but some can't seem to put it in action. Once you're out of step the only options are to stay out of step, or step ball change until you're back in step because there ain't no stopping and seeing what foot everyone else is on. You will get pushed over and trampled.
6. The Metronome
The sounds that come from that thing are forever haunting.
7. Running When a Mistake is Made
No description needed!
8. Sleep Deprivation
Getting up early and then getting back late takes a toll on everyone. Especially those who work afterwards! No one will judge you for your much-needed 27 second nap during a gush and go.
No matter what the ordeals are that we go through during band camp, we return year after year for the friends, music and fun that goes along with everything else! And I wouldn't want it any other way! #IFLB
