Back to Basics (X-Posted from OD)
Basics in BAND CAMP that is. You know, that lovely first-part-of-the-rehearsal mess. Where some guy gets up in front of you, rants and raves about marching technique, and then has you practice the same exercise until you're too sore, sweaty and sunburned to want to move.
But of course you still have about 12 hours left at band camp that day. Because... why, because they are 13 hour days you see. Us band people don't do things the normal, 8-hour way. Nono.
So anyway, it's back to hot, sticky, good-morning-sunshine basics. And boy is it HOT.
But there are a few things that have really improved in the band this year -- first, the staff. Why? Because I'm on it. Hehe. No, not really. Because the people are much more committed and focused, and are much more into the idea of *having fun.* College band is supposed to be the epitome of musical FUN.
So we've got a bunch of great activities all through the week... including "spirit day," "pirate day" (that was today, and the sea-chantey my section came up with was hilarious... I'll have to post it) and "beach day," all equipped with fun "section olympics" contests and fun water breaks.
I think the band unity is much stronger this year, even though 70% of the band is brand new. And I think a lot of it, crazily enough, has to do with the said fun activities. Something about these "section wars" that brings out such fellowship and unity. It's quite a different experience.
And we're playing better, more popular music. Less hokey-pokey shit. Playing some stuff by Pink, Beyonce, Mr. Justin himself, and so on. Personally, I think we could all do ourselves well by playing some Dave Matthews, but hey. Maybe it's just me. But even just the new musical direction is changing the face of this band.
So look out college athletics...the University of Miami "Band of the Hour" is new & improved.
But it's still hot, and I'm still sunburned. And I've worked my butt off the last week with band stuff (oh, the life of a weary executive officer & saxophone section catalyst).
Who knows what this year holds. But in the meantime, only ONE MORE DAY OF BAND CAMP!! I'm so excited I'm almost peeing myself...
But of course you still have about 12 hours left at band camp that day. Because... why, because they are 13 hour days you see. Us band people don't do things the normal, 8-hour way. Nono.
So anyway, it's back to hot, sticky, good-morning-sunshine basics. And boy is it HOT.
But there are a few things that have really improved in the band this year -- first, the staff. Why? Because I'm on it. Hehe. No, not really. Because the people are much more committed and focused, and are much more into the idea of *having fun.* College band is supposed to be the epitome of musical FUN.
So we've got a bunch of great activities all through the week... including "spirit day," "pirate day" (that was today, and the sea-chantey my section came up with was hilarious... I'll have to post it) and "beach day," all equipped with fun "section olympics" contests and fun water breaks.
I think the band unity is much stronger this year, even though 70% of the band is brand new. And I think a lot of it, crazily enough, has to do with the said fun activities. Something about these "section wars" that brings out such fellowship and unity. It's quite a different experience.
And we're playing better, more popular music. Less hokey-pokey shit. Playing some stuff by Pink, Beyonce, Mr. Justin himself, and so on. Personally, I think we could all do ourselves well by playing some Dave Matthews, but hey. Maybe it's just me. But even just the new musical direction is changing the face of this band.
So look out college athletics...the University of Miami "Band of the Hour" is new & improved.
But it's still hot, and I'm still sunburned. And I've worked my butt off the last week with band stuff (oh, the life of a weary executive officer & saxophone section catalyst).
Who knows what this year holds. But in the meantime, only ONE MORE DAY OF BAND CAMP!! I'm so excited I'm almost peeing myself...