The Blue Thunder Marching Band held two band camps over the summer in order to prepare for the school year.
Rookie Band Camp, for the incoming freshmen, was held in June for two weeks for four days total, while the larger Band Camp for all members was held in August, the week before the start of school. In both camps, leaders taught marching and playing techniques necessary to prepare for the band activities.
“The summer camps help us get a head start to our fall season. The extra rehearsal time over the summer is really important as we prepare for our first couple of performances at home football games,” band director Katie Takahashi said. We also use the time to bond and create relationships as an ensemble. We played a lot of games, watched DCI shows and shared group dinners. We value this time to grow as an ensemble in both music and personal relationships.”
Specifically, sectional time was allotted where leaders had the opportunity to work individually with their section. This allowed a more personal approach and thus helped each individual member learn faster, identify problems and fix them.
“It’s very important because they’re rookies and need to learn the way of band,” baritone section leader senior Barron Lee said. “It means they learn to always put their best foot forward and represent the school with as much pride as they can.”
Additionally, games livened up the atmosphere, helped band members to get to know each other and allowed the environment to be more relaxed
“It helps to show them that being in band is something bigger than yourself,” assistant drum major senior Kayla Oh said. “It’s forming a community with people who have the same goal as you.” Ω
