A Weekend in the Woods
- Aug 5, 2018
- 5 min read
Dusty roads, tons of trees, awkward sun tanlines, & sand in your bed. These are just some descriptions of a weekend in the woods with 170 band kids, band boosters, band directors and band techs. A long running tradition for the Bridge City Band is to a take a weekend and spend it in the woods. No outside distractions. And it is a weekend that really focuses on what marching band is really all about.
It's a weekend to really focus on the marching show, the marching fundamentals and music. It's also a time for the kids to get to know each better, spend time together and make lasting memories.
When it comes to this trip, there are three things I always have to remember:
1. Pack for the appropriate setting.
I always have to remember we aren't technically camping, but the majority of the time I am going to be outside -- getting sweaty and getting dusty. So, basically I packed all my workout clothes! You also need sandals & tennis shoes. There is a lot of walking involved and of course there was a swimming pool and it's weird to wear tennis shoes to the pool! Those are just a few things that are needed in the duffle bag!
2. Be prepared to get some sun.
Sunscreen and bug spray are mandatory. If you've ever been to Eastern/Southeastern Texas, it's extremely humid and hot over the summer.. sunburns are the worst. Bug bites really itch. Ya get it. Pack them both.
3. Be in the moment.
There is minimal phone service out there, which is not torturous to me. I love times where I don't have to worry about checking my phone or worry about what's going on in the world. A lot of memorable moments happen at this specific time of band camp. Lots of laughter, tears, moments of greatness, moments of hardship.. and you want to be sure to be present for those. So in the long run you can look back and remember the most memorable times. If you know me, I like to document as much as I can. But I've come to love just setting things down and enjoying what's in front of me.
This specific time of the year is always a great time! I truly love that I get to be apart of this. My favorite part is watching them play the parts of the show they have learned, aside from any mistakes, it is always great to see how it all comes together and gives you an idea of what the season is going to be like.
Connor and I got the pleasure of hanging out with some awesome dudes this weekend as well. Four out of the seven guys are Bridge City grads and are back in their old roots to commit to helping this band come to greatness, two of them are student teaching. All of them, except Connor (Lamar Alumni, former Lamar Drumline Member), are currently Lamar University students and in the university's marching band. All of them are close to us in age, so naturally we hung out together when they weren't working with the band kiddos and we had a blast. There was not a moment where we weren't laughing this week, that's something I will always cherish. Don't you love that though? #ahh
One things I really enjoyed and got to do this year at camp was teach the drumline kids about taking care of themselves during marching season. I am currently a clinical assistant/receptionist for a chiropractic office and I wanted to be able to share what I've learned about what happens with your back if you aren't careful in carrying your instrument during practice or on a football field during a game. It really can take a toll on your back if you are not careful. They really sat and listened to Connor and I as we shared some facts and exercises the kids could do in using a foam roller for their muscle pain. I really appreciated that too, and it made me feel really good in knowing that I taught them what they needed to do when they had encountered some back pain during marching season. These kids are awesome and very respectful, Connor is lucky to have these students!
They hold a family night the last night of camp. Where the families of the band kids get to come out and watch the kids play and march what they've learned that week. It was so awesome seeing the turnout to this event. Even the school board from Bridge City ISD came to watch what progress the band has made! This is when I get super pumped for marching season, hearing the show put together really gives you a good perspective of what the show will sound like. After rehearsal is over, we all congregate to the dining hall for the most amazing food ever. The band boosters and parents spend nearly the entire day preparing for it. This isn't "bandwiches" or pizza, they go all out and make brisket, links, ribs, rice, mac and cheese and beans. Holy crap, we eat our weight and more this night and definitely don't regret the acid reflux in our future. After dinner is marching block, and we all congregate to the field to watch the kids practice marching drills and get some conditioning in. This night the kids bring their instruments so they can practice playing the show and moving at the same time. When they played a little bit of the beginning of the show and marched, I got chills (and maybe shed a tear). It's so exciting to see this all start to come together! I climbed through the sunroof of my car so I could watch. When they finished this portion, we all concregated back to the tabernacle where they played the show together for family night. This is where the seniors talk about what band has meant to them and we read the notes in the envelopes that were on the walls all week (We do these notes to encourage and lift each other up during the week and to look back in during the season). It is a great way to end the weekend, for sure.
The next day is short, they do a drill block in the morning (where they learn the formations on the field for the show) and then they clean up and get ready to go home. We also do pictures for each classification and then a picture of the entire band. After all of that, camp is over and it's time to go home with full hearts, bellies and amazing memories.
I am grateful I get to attend this camp every year, it really is an eye opening experience to how marching band works. I will leave you with this quote that is on the shirts we now get to sport AND some pictures:
"Practice like you've never won. Perform like you've never lost."
Looking forward to an amazing marching season this year!
Until next time,
The Band Director Wife.
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