Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, we have revamped our 2020 Band Camp. This summer, the campus is closed due to COVID-19.
The Band Camp however, will continue as a virtual Band Camp experience for ALL. We must continue to practice social distancing and avoid social gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Stay tuned for more details, and until then we’ll continue working to make Band Camp the best place to support our young student artist every single day. Thank you and we wish you ALL safety and good health.
What is Band Camp?
SHHS Band Camp is a series of mandatory rehearsals throughout the month of August that teaches the basics of marching band, how to march, setting drill and coordinates, learning show music, and gaining a strong rapport with fellow members in the band. Full band rehearsals are typically from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and are held at South Hills High School campus.
Why is Band Camp Important?
The week of Band Camp allows the students to concentrate on the marching band show without interruptions from normal routines at home. It ensures that students are at every rehearsal and have time to work with their section. It is a week of intense study of the music and learning the drill. It is a time of bonding, hard work, frustration and fun! Your student will come home exhausted but also enthusiastic about being part of the South Hills High School Marching Band & Color Guard.
As a member of the marching band, attendance and participation at Band Camp is mandatory. Please plan all vacations/absences around band camp. Students are expected to attend every day. It is imperative that you come to Band Camp every day prepared to handle the full eight hours of work.
How to Prepare for and Survive Band Camp
Summer Camp Advice
• Students should always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of camp to prepare themselves to be in place when camp begins.
• End times are not when students will be available for pick up. End time is when they are expected to end practice. Time will then be required for a band director talk and to put equipment away. The earliest that students will be available for pick up is 15 minutes after the stated end time.
Remember: If you arrive on time, you’re late. If you arrive early, you’re on time
• Behave – Just get in line, stay in step, do whatever is asked of you. Also, behaving tends to get things done a lot quicker (There’s nothing worse than re-running a drill set over and over again because the band isn’t behaving correctly!)
• A Positive Attitude – the success of this entire ensemble, from students through Staff, will be based on the positive attitude that we bring every day to camp. We all want to have a positive experience, and we all want to reach a great level of success this year. That being said, the attitude that we bring each day will be a direct attribute to the success that we achieve.
In order to make sure you are prepared for band camp, you should do the following:
How to prepare your music
• Practice your music over the summer before camp.
• Come to band camp with your competition music memorized. You will be glad you did!
• Take private lessons once a week.
Getting Ready for Band Camp
Band camp is physically demanding. Be sure you come to camp ready to march and play in summer temperatures. Get a good night sleep and eat a hearty breakfast each day. Taking those two steps will improve your experience greatly.
What to Bring each day
• Your music
• All drill charts
• Backpack to carry your day supplies and music binder around the camp.
• Equipment – instrument, drum sticks, flags, rifles, etc.
• Sunscreen – (There will be PLENTY of time for you to achieve your award winning tan…sitting out because of a sunburn is not acceptable.)
• Insect repellent or bug spray
• LARGE insulated container of water each day. NOT a bottle – a large container/jug/cooler ! It is very important that you stay hydrated in the heat. You’ll get breaks during camp to replenish the fluid you will be losing. You must drink during these brief break.
• Mechanical Pencils (you will need them at every rehearsal.)
• Small washcloth or hand towel to wipe down hands/face/cool down from activity
* * * If your child uses a rescue inhaler for asthma or any other emergency medicine, please have them carry it with them during camp. Knee or wrist brace (if you are prone to have knee problems…bring your brace !).
Due to the large number of camp participants, please make sure all of your belongings are marked with your name.
Band Camp Meals
We will be taking a break each day at 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm. The students can either bring their meal to camp or have it delivered by a parent or family member. Students are NOT allowed to leave campus during this break. Once students are on campus, they MUST remain on campus until dismissal. Please make sure the kids stay away from unhealthy fast food during their break.
What to Wear
Since we are outside for a large portion of band camp, we strongly recommend the following:
• Comfortable clothes (Wear shorts and light colored clothing every day to band camp – no big explanation – it WILL be hot)
• Sunglasses and a hat are optional but are good to have when we are outside to protect you from the sun.
• Wear socks and tennis shoes. NO SANDALS, FLIP-FLOPS
LAST THOUGHTS REGARDING CAMP:
• Expect to work really hard and to feel uncomfortable at times.
• Expect to learn more in a week of Band camp than your last year of middle school. Expect the unexpected-just ask some of our returning band members to tell their “Band Camp” stories. There is nothing to fear about the Band Camp experience. After it is over, you will look forward to returning next year. Our staff and leadership team work hard to provide a nurturing environment for first time members of the band. We look forward to a good camp and some fun.
• Keep cool-physically and mentally – Keep hydrated and don’t overheat. Also keep a calm mind. So you can’t do hit the note at first, keep trying and listen graciously to advice and it WILL eventually come. We are here to help.
• Show Respect – For the director, staff, leadership, parents that are around to help and your other team members.
For more information about Band & Color Guard, please see our FAQs page.