Summer ended early for band students this year. On July 31, members of the marching band returned to school. For the following 3 weeks, they spent countless hours practicing their marching routine for the upcoming year.

A typical day at band camp lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, with a break for lunch. Occasionally, there are “Thirteen Hour Thursdays”, which last from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. During these practices, band members work on perfecting their marching, master marching, fight, and bandstand songs, and also bond with their section and section-leaders.

“Band camp really prepared us for the upcoming season by prioritizing focus,” French horn player Amanda Ramsey ’16 said. “It helps us with getting to know our marching pieces and our theme.”

This year’s theme—which surprised and confused quite a few—is golf.

“At the beginning, I didn’t think it was the greatest idea,” trumpet player John Cauvin ’17 said. “But then, Mr. Shelton explained it, and made it sound pretty cool. So far, he’s been right. It’s turning out to be a good show.”

Band students rehearsed not only for marching season, but also to perform well at the UIL 6A State Marching Contest as well. Every other year marks a state championship, with competitions being held on November 4.

“We’ve got to make state this year. During our freshman year, we were literally only one point away from winning for ‘Finding Balance’,” flutist Alyssa Shepard ’16 said. “This is our last chance because they don’t do this in college.”

Despite hot weather and long hours, many band students enjoyed their time spent practicing songs and bonding with other students. Those that are going off to college are especially grateful for band camp.

“It has been a long and tough journey being on drumline,” Senior Drum Captain Geoff Sloan ’15 said. “From being a freshman that knew nothing about drumline and high school, to being a Senior Drum Captain, I have learned much more than just how to play drums.”