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