Surviving Band Camp

Pro Tips

• Get in shape! Run, cycle, swim - do something to improve your cardiovascular fitness before you return to camp. Marching band is very physical, and the better condition you are in, the more you will enjoy the week.
• Get in shape - this time, on your instrument! Play a few scales, lip slurs, long tones or whatever you need to do to be ready to play eight hours a day.
• Invest in a water jug. Buy an insulated water cooler that you can use each day. We will provide water at each rehearsal, but it is easier and faster for you to have your own.
• Plan for the sun. Bring a hat with a wide brim and sunscreen.
• Bring a flip folder with lots of extra pages. Order online or visit your local music store to stock up. You can also order these via the yellow order form in the band camp mailing.
• Bring the right equipment!

Reed players should have at least three working reeds. Better yet, buy a whole box and you will be set for the season.

Brass players are required to have their own mouthpiece, even if you check out a school horn. To get your own mouthpiece contact your local music store or you can contact DF Music Inc. which carries all the mouthpieces on our recommended list. Unless you have specific instructions from a qualified private teacher, we recommend the following mouthpieces:

• Bb Trumpet: Denis Wick American Classic 3C or 5C.
• Trombone: Denis Wick Classic 5BL for Large Shank or 5BS for Small Shank
  • Keep in mind, the matching trombones we use for the marching band are all large shank!
• Euphonium: Denis Wick Steven Mead SM5U

Make sure your instrument is in working order. If you can't remember the last time you had your pads, felts, corks and springs checked by a repair technician, do so before the start of band camp. You can do this at your local music store or contact Quinlan and Fabish Music, which has multiple locations around the Chicago area.  Remember that summer is the busy season for any music store, so please plan ahead.

Summer Uniform

• Please wear athletic shoes to each rehearsal for band camp. No flip-flops or sandals, not even very durable sports sandals.
• Bring your own pair of black shorts. The band will provide a black t-shirt for each member.  Capri pants are fine as well. We will have at least one performance during camp, which will be made much more pleasant by a comfortable summer uniform. We use our summer uniform during some performances in September as well.