Day One - Over

Hey Brass,

Congrats on finishing day one in one piece. Obviously it's only a fraction of what it will be like next week with the full days but it was a good taste for how the rest of band camp will be. That burn in your shoulders, will it be getting better? Only marginally. Sorry if that's sad news, but that soreness is what's going to be pushing our bodies to become capable of holding our horns up for the 9 minute show. I can promise you, however, that it will improve if not next week then over the next couple of weeks. As your bodies get used to the muscles we're using so often, it will start to hurt less. But until then, PLEASE keep the horns up during brass arc and technique block until we are able to relax, it helps us in the long run and also helps the staff stay focused on moving forward with our instruction as opposed to having to stop and correct the ones who are letting their instrument down.



Secondly, HYDRATE! I believe we did a good job with it yesterday since nobody went home with dehydration or anything but it's an ongoing process guys. Keep drinking a lot of water tonight, and stay away from soda. Otherwise guys, great job today and keep it up. Don't forget to bring your show music if you didn't have it with you today, and we'll see you tomorrow.

-Matt Hall

Band Camp Checklist

Alright everyone, band camp is upon us and now is the time for last minute shopping and preparation! Here is what you need for band camp, so if you don't already own any of these items I would advise you grab them immediately:

• Large water bottle: I'm not talking about your cute little Camelback water bottles ladies. At least a half gallon bottle is going to be what you need in order to stay hydrated during the day, and you're going to want to drink it all during rehearsal with how thirsty you will be. Be sure you write your name somewhere on the bottle because there is bound to be somebody with the exact same bottle as you, and it helps in avoiding mishaps.If you can find a water bottle like this, you will be just fine.                                                             
•  Tennis shoes: Once again, ladies, band camp is not the time to be putting together your best outfits and all that stuff. Everyone needs to have normal tennis shoes or running shoes, preferably that are supportive because of all the running and marching we will be doing.
• Sunscreen or Sunblock: I don't care how tan or brown you are, bring sunscreen. You will get burnt to a complete crisp if you don't put it on and the rest of your next two weeks will be extraordinarily painful. There is a distinction between sunscreen and sunblock; sunscreen allows a little bit of the light to get through so that you can get tanner, while sunblock allows nothing through. Both are safe and will prevent burns so choose which one you'd rather use, and buy a lot of it.
• Attire: Thin, light shorts, thin or wicking shirt for sweat and a hat and/or sunglasses. Dressing as light as possible is the biggest tip I can give you. Wearing black jeans and a black cotton shirt will have you swimming in your own sweat in a matter of 20 minutes. Not an enjoyable thing. A hat and sunglasses are optional, but you are definitely going to need one or both of them.
• Good food!: Obviously one of the most important, not only for nutrition and heath reasons but because of that great feeling you get when opening your paper bag after a long morning of hard work and having all your favorite food to eat. Pack a lunch that will taste great and also rejuvenate you for an afternoon of more hard work.

And of course, your instrument, but that's a given. If you've got to run out and get any of these items, please do so in order to have the safest and best band camp experience possible.

-Matt

Music, music, music!

Band camp is officially one week away everyone! Now is the time to be seriously looking at your music and getting it memorized. If nothing else, you've got to be able to play your parts come next Wednesday.

So, point being, if you have been slacking off and not practicing, now is the time to get off your butt and start. It's crunch time, brass; let's come into band camp and wipe the floor with the woodwinds.

-Matt

Reminders and New Music!

Hey everyone

Here is the most important thing for the moment: KEEP MOVING THOSE SLIDES! tone quality and intonation are going to be a big focus this season, and with stuck tuning slides we can't improve those issues. Keep moving them throughout the summer; if it is already stuck, let your section leader know and have them text me, we'll get it taken care of.

Also, music for the second movement is up. Grab the part you think you'll be assigned and start practicing/memorizing the music. Band camp is fast approaching; have the music ready to go guys.

-Matt

Back from ASP

Hey everyone,

Sorry for not posting over the past week or so, I've been on a mission trip called the Appalachia Service Project. In a nutshell I've been repairing homes for the less fortunate in Appalachia, this year in a town in Magoffin County, Kentucky. Right there!

But, I'm back in town now and will be posting on a pretty regular basis once again. Although nothing new has come up over the past week, make sure you are continuing to practice your horns and the opener music, including memorization of it! Also don't forget to work on your warm up packets, those have to be memorized for band camp also. Finally, stay hydrated and active, especially in the heat. Hopefully band camp will not be in the 100's this year but if it is, we've got to be prepared. Hope your week was enjoyable and I will talk to you soon.

-Matt