How to Survive Bandcamp

Every musician who has ever played in a marching band knows that bandcamp is most certainly memorable, to say the least. Hours of marching out under the sun and practicing the same thing over and over again make for an experience that won't soon be forgotten. There will always be stories that start with "This one time at bandcamp...". Trust me, they never end well.

I know how hard bandcamp can be, and have developed my own strategy for surviving it. If you are an up and coming marcher, just follow these tips and you'll survive and maybe even continue in band.


1. If you are an old member, and there is some piece or are some pieces that your school requires you to know each year- at our school it's the Star Spangled Banner and our fight song, make sure you remember them before bandcamp starts.

2. This applies to everyone- unless you are a sousaphone or some other instrument that has a different marching horn, GET OUT YOUR INSTRUMENT AND PRACTICE!!!!!!!!! It will make learning the show easier if you actually remember how to play!

3. Learn as much of the show, drill and music wise, before school starts. If you follow this, you will be less overwhelmed once school starts and will be on better terms with your director.

4. Speaking of directors, they are always right. Don't try to argue with them, and never talk back to them. Respect them, and they will respect you.

5. BRING SUNSCREEN!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have pasty Irish skin like yours truly, trust me, from experience, you will be a lot happier of a camper if you bring sunscreen and use it liberally.

6. Also be sure to bring a water bottle. Or two. I learned this from another fellow marcher, bring a water jug filled and freeze another smaller water bottle to use as ice. That way, you get a huge jug of water and the water bottle.

7. Early is on time, on time is late, and late equals dead man walking. A lot of band directors are punctual and will make you run or do push-ups if you are late.

8. Practice makes perfect. Rehearsals are where you learn every one else's parts, practice you do on your own and learn your own part.

9. Don't be afraid to ask upperclassmen and band leaders (section leaders) for help- 99% of the time they understand what you are going through and will help you out with music, marching, or drill.

10. Lastly, just stick through it. If you work hard, and put in the effort, you will reap the benefits and create lasting memories as well as a home away from home with your band.

So if you follow these ten tips, you should survive band camp and have a pleasant marching experience.