Golden
Regiment S.M.E. Insider
Information
This handout is designed for
our 1st year members and as a reminder for our veteran members. It
is impossible to provide all of the information necessary, but we hope this
will answer some questions for all involved. Please take the time to look over this
very important handout.
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A
combination of indoor and outdoor rehearsals are utilized during band camp. We start early in the
morning to try to get most of the intensive marching accomplished before the
sun gets too intense. Although the day starts early, you’ll be
thankful when you leave at
Rehearsal location: Rehearsals will begin in the
Water.
Students are responsible for bringing their own water jugs to set on the
sidelines. Periodic water breaks are given to go inside to use the main
fountains; however it is better if you have quick and more frequent access
outside. As you know, carbonated beverages dehydrate therefore, it is better to
drink water.
Clothing
Tennis
Shoes. Tennis shoes are required
for every marching rehearsal throughout the season. The shoes need to go around
the foot, therefore the new style that is more of a slip on style will not
work. Students will not be allowed to participate without the correct style
of shoes. We also recommend that you
wear socks to prevent blisters. Tennis or running shoes will be much easier
(and lighter) to march in than basketball shoes.
Shorts/Sweatpants: Loose fitting
is the best. Some sections will decide to get matching shorts at camp.
Shirts: Again, loose
fitting is the best. Remember that the dark colors attract the heat.
Sunscreen. We offer the best free tan in the state! Please plan accordingly. You
know your skin and sensitivity level.
Wear sunscreen with a high SPF level and reapply. Sunscreen that is made
for swimming is the best. Use sunscreen even if you are wearing a
T-shirt outside.
Hats/sunglasses. Do it! You
will have a much better time and will be more comfortable. You’d be amazed at
how much heat/glare hats/sunglasses will keep off of you (especially the glare
on brass instruments).
Attendance. Be at everything, on time.
Eat! 90% of the time when a student becomes ill it
is directly related to him/her not eating breakfast.
Conditioning. If you have been a couch potato
this summer, we do suggest that you physically prepare for marching band. We recommend stretching, running a few miles
a couple of days a week and some reps of push-ups daily. This will increase
your lung capacity and muscle strength to hold up your instrument and you will
have a better experience.
Physical shape. It is
important that you are in good physical shape.
You will be asked to do some running, push-ups, jumping jacks, etc.
during band camp. (Some of you will have
an opportunity to do more of these depending on decisions that you make!) Documented physical education research has
shown that performing in a marching band show takes as much endurance/stamina
as many varsity athletics including long distance running, football and
basketball just to name a few.
Lip Balm: DCT is the brand of choice for most
members. It’s SPF so your lips won’t get
burned and it doesn’t have camphor. If
you use something other than DCT, be sure it does NOT contain camphor (Carmex, etc.) because camphor breaks down the muscle tissue
in the lips and you will lose range control.
Advil.
The school is not allowed to give you medication without a note, so we
recommend that you bring some Advil or something like it in case you would be
in need of it.
Practice. Our system is based on
execution of outstanding fundamentals. The most useful thing you can practice to
prepare for band camp is creating the best tone possible on your instrument,
scales and tapping your foot to any music you like. We have spent rehearsal before
focusing on one note! You will receive a
lot of music during camp.
S.M.E. Dance. Students
need to bring a 6-pack of Soda and 1 munchie to get
in to the dance. If the student
brings a non-band person to the dance, the cost is $10.00 for that individual. Specific
guidelines for the band camp dance are given during camp. Save your spirit awards the last week of camp to put into the
prize drawing at the dance
Attitude. Your attitude
is EVERYTHING! You completely control
how your experience is going to be in the way you approach band, how well you
prepare for camp and your behavior. Expect to work hard, expect to learn, and
expect to have a great time.
There will be a brief
informational meeting prior to S.M.E.. in the band room at BSHS for all interested first year members and parents.
This is highly recommended so your child can feel at home on his/her first day
of S.M.E. and you can know what to expect. You will have an opportunity to:
1.
Meet the
directors
2.
Meet your section
leaders
3.
Get a brief tour
of where your rehearsals will be
4.
General
information of what to expect at band camp
5.
Check out school
instruments
6.
Order Golden
Regiment Merchandise
7.
Receive all of
the required forms for participation
8.
Ask questions
Hundreds of students have not
only survived S.M.E., but have had a great time, and
made life-long memories. Amazing as it may sound, some actually tell us that
they miss it when they head off to college! Band camp is nothing to be stressed
out about, but do come prepared to work hard as well as to have a great time
meeting some of the coolest students in school.
If you have any questions,
contact your section leaders. They have been through this and are the true
experts on band camp! We’ll see you
soon.