Marching Band Takeaway!

Missed this week’s Awkward Afternoon video? Here’s the takeaway: Marching Band is a great experience! We understand there might be apprehension hitting the field for the first time, but you’ll find the apprehension quickly fades. You’re thrown into a tight family, working toward a goal together. Plus, you build a group of friends before you even start school!

Here’s the Marching Band Must-Haves:

An instrument in good playing condition

Sun Block

Hat

Good Sneakers

Water Bottle

8 to 5 Practice (If you know, you know---if you don’t know, you’ll soon learn!)

Music Memorization

Last Takeaway - Josh is a special human, and oh, so awkward. :D

Marching Band 101 with Jim Rodger’s

Are you new to marching band, or curious how to make the experience all it can be? Take this advice from Fraser High School's band director, Jim Rodgers, on preparing for a summer and season of marching! Thank you, Jim!

For the new marchers (and all marchers, really):

STAY ACTIVE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER—get outside and walk, bike, run, swim, play​; marching band is an extremely physical activity—be prepared to use your body and your mind.

PRACTICE YOUR INSTRUMENT: keep your playing ability up, prepare the music for the new season.

When attending any summer sectionals, rehearsals, or camps:

Wear light-colored, light weight clothes

Shoes and socks are a must—no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs

Stay hydrated and nourished: eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Stay hydrated!!--bring a personal water bottle, camel pack, etc.

Protect your skin with sunblock

Protect your eyes with sunglasses, hats

Finally—get to know your drum majors, section leaders, and other members of the band​; marching band is fun and a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and create lasting memories!

#iplayhere

Brass Summer Practice!

If you play brass and are not taking lessons this summer, no worries! Josh shares his practice advice so your capabilities stay intact until the school year begins!

Set Goals: Is there something specific you want to improve at? Range? Scale Memorization? Tonguing/multiple tonguing? Tone? Set aside extra time in your warm up to work on these specific goals.

Warm up: Long Tones/Lip Slurs/Mouthpiece Buzzing

Scales/patterns and articulation exercises!

Music: Etudes, solos, and fun music!

#iplayhere