How to Survive Band Camp

Soon, the new school year will start. New exciting classes, being reunited with your friends, Welcome Weekend parties all await, but there's a catch: you have to get through band camp first.

Whether this is your fourth band camp or your first, it's easy to let the stress of the week bog you down.

Leave your bad attitude at home.

Let's face it, there are probably a lot of other things you'd rather be doing besides standing in the blazing sun going over what an 8 to 5 step is. But band camp is a vital week that sets the tone for the rest of the season. You might surprise yourself at what you can accomplish when you start viewing the week as a challenge, rather than a punishment. That crazy three octave run in the second measure? No problem. That crazy one handed flag toss? Got it. Positive thinking goes a long way, especially when you're under pressure.

Take care of your body.

Even with the best can-do attitude, you won't get much accomplished this week if you don't take care of your body. When you get a water break, make sure you actually drink water--don't just rush over to the sideline to check your phone. Eat food at meal breaks that will keep you energized. It's tempting to load up on the sugary desserts, but those won't be enough to keep you going all day long.

Don't skip "mandatory" bonding.

After a long, grueling day, it's easy to just retreat back into your dorm, take a quick shower, and crash. You might think it's pointless to go to the "team bonding" activities planned after the last block, especially since you'll be seeing these same people for the next five days. However, these seemingly annoying activities are often where some of the best memories are made. It gives you the chance to meet people outside of your own section, and make the whole ensemble closer. A lot of the times, these activities turn out to be much more enjoyable than you thought they would be.

Have fun.

The temperature outside might be hotter than the surface of hell. You might not be able to feel your legs after the morning's cardio workout. You might have to march through the mud pit they call the "band field." But remember, it's just one week. One week of trials, tears, and triumphs. You'll never be able to recapture that end-of-the-night meeting on the turf, and you'll never forget that overwhelming sense of accomplishment after the last full run at the end of the week. Music, performance, perseverance--it's in your blood.

You got this.