band camp stereotypes
Start writing a post
Education

27 Things I Wish I Knew Before Heading to band camp

Written by band nerds, for band nerds.

584
27 Things I Wish I Knew Before Heading to band camp
John Burns

In my four years of marching band, I have learned many things. Skills, tricks, technical stances, and much more. But nothing could have prepared me for band camp that first year. I found myself wishing someone had told me these things before other worse things happened. And now, I pass on the torch of advice, of things we wish we knew. Sincerely, the band nerds.



I wish I knew how close of a family band would be.

-Abby

I wish I knew the techniques to marching.

"It would have been a lot easier for when we learned drill." -Ryan

I wish I knew that you won't know what to do -and that's ok!

"Everyone tries to be perfect on the first day, when in reality, no one knows what's going on. But you'll get better with each day." -Cass

I wish I knew it was going to be physically and emotionally exhausting.

"but by making friends and having fun performing for an audience, it was all worth it." -Miranda

I wish I knew where band would take me.

original photo

Drum Major Academy, States, Nationals, even Italy!

I wish I knew everyone had it out against the color guard.

"Though this may not be true for every band, it certainly was for mine, and probably some others, too." -Rhys

I wish I knew how much focus would actually be put into it.

"The struggle is so worth the work." -Abby

I wish I knew it would be more work than I originally thought.

"I never thought standing in the sun would be so difficult..." -Roberto

I wish I knew how fun it was before the first day

"That way I wouldn't hate it." -Greg

I wish I knew that DCI was a thing.

"I learn by replicating, so why not replicate the best of the best?" -Bennet

I wish I knew the amount of sunburn I would get.

"Yeah, no thanks." -Rachel

I wish I knew that growth is so much greater than not making mistakes.

original photo

-Kirby

I wish I knew how physical band is.

"There is so much happening at one time -running, spinning, playing, moving. Most people don't realize that until they witness it (but really until they do it). I like to think I'm fairly active." -Jenn

I wish I knew to get ready to be social.

"It's mandatory." -Chris

I wish I knew to refrain from sitting.

"Never sit down after a day of band camp until you're ready to stay in that spot for the rest of the day." -Brooke

I wish I knew how strongly the whole experience would impact me today.

"The Leaders"

original photo

-Maria

I wish I knew how much time I'd spend at school.

"We're there almost all day and at odd hours at both night and day. We know the building the best because we're in it the most." -Justine

I wish I knew that nothing matters.

"Take nothing seriously because having fun is all you'll remember." -Caroline

I wish I knew to learn the music beforehand.

"It's one less thing to worry about." -Austin

I wish I knew how time consuming it'd be.

"Two weeks and two days. That's 12 days 8 AM to 5 PM in the sun, wandering around on a field learning. And that doesn't even include the introductory rehearsals..." -Ana

I wish I knew that I'd make lifelong friends.

"I never knew that band was going to be the place that I made the friends that I'd have for the rest of my life." -Noah

I wish I knew of the leader I'd become.

"Who you are as a freshman compared to who you are as a senior speaks volumes in your leadership skills." -Kirby

I wish I knew how fit and tan I could get in two weeks.

-Justine

I wish I knew the goofy times wouldn't last forever.

original photo

It was something like a family, like being part of something bigger than yourself, all while having fun and enjoying these moments.

I wish I knew how much drama it would bring into my life.

-Mateo

I wish I knew to put myself out there.

"Everyone is so sweet and so willing to take you into their family." -Hannah

I wish I knew that the pain would only be temporary.

Not to beat a dead horse, but we all know the pain is worth the win -all the hard work pays off. Just remember that water jugs are a must-have and to bathe in ice, if it even gets that bad.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

86656
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

182945
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments