Friday Blog

Final Day of Camp – Blog 2014 What an awesome camp we had this week. And yes, it went by so quickly. As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. The weather for learning was just perfect too. Thanks to all the parents that worked their tails off to insure our safety and comfort for all. Many worked behind the scenes to allow the students to have a very productive camp. The students worked extremely hard and found out quickly how much effort and dedication it takes to persevere through the hardships mentally and physically to become a state champion. Many were asked to stretch their limits, push through pain, endure uncomfortable living conditions, overcome personal adversity and believe they could do anything with the support of their fellow band friends; just ask the trumpet section about Ghost riders. This camp allowed many students to realize that becoming a family takes sacrifice, understanding, taking on another perspective, trust, each other’s value and that hard work does pay off. We accomplished so much while we were at Allerton Park. Some goals included pre-game show music and design, memorizing the show music, learning 44 of the 54 sets (pictures) of drill including entering the field for competition, cleaning the first seventeen pictures with music and the color guard learning all of the work with the help of Ryan and Kristen. We have so much more to learn, but the foundation is solid and the staff is so excited to continue our journey with these kids. I encourage you to visit the YouTube videos from Soul pancake. We plan to integrate the messages and combine them with the Love is Louder JED foundation to touch the lives of all who witness our 2014 fall competitive marching show. Over the course of this season, we will work hard to spread the message that sometimes a kind word or action can change a person’s life. We hope you can enjoy our journey and get involved with your student’s band experience. See you at the 5th annual 2014 Band Bash and throughout the competitive marching season.

Thursday Blog

We started our last full day of camp with a surprise awaiting us on the practice field. Overnight it had been redecorated with a unique band camp flare. As the day has gone on we have welcomed many alumni and parents to the camp. It meant so much to all of us to see them. We will wrap up our last night here at camp with the annual skit night. The week has truly flown by. Tomorrow we will have the March Down and pack up for the trip home. It has been a great week and although we are all anticipating returning home you can't help but sense a longing for what we have experienced here at camp to continue. :LOVE IS LOUDER PHOTOS

Wednesday Blog

Hump day, no, Hobo day. We are half way thru band camp and we have come so far from when we arrived. The days have been long and full of hard work but also with the makings of many long lasting memories. We had a great time just hanging out at the evening campfire and welcomed the freshman at the annual Midnight March last night. Already this week we have shivered, been sunburned, bitten like crazy by bugs, and worn out our feet, but we have also accomplished so very much. Even during free time you will find many working on their music or flag drills. Today we saw the whole saxophone section working on their marching skills as a group during free time. As we look forward to our last few remaining days of camp we anticipate many more memorable experiences. As we close our day toady a time honored tradition will be observed where the drum line staff treat the seniors to a game of wit called Mission Impossible. These are truly memories we will carry with us for years to come.

PHOTOS

Tuesday Blog

We have already settled into a routine of music, friends, and fun.  The day started out extremely cold with a lot of us not wanting to leave our warm bunks or moving very quickly.  Once we did get moving our morning was brightened and energized by some of the creative costumes seen around the camp for our Super Hero / Cross Dress day.  As the temperatures rose the water balloons and squirt guns began to make appearances about the camp.  The beautiful gardens have intrigued many of us.  As we have participated in activities such as marching from the practice field to the dining hall and team building activities each evening we have grown together as a band family.  We are strengthening existing bonds and building new friendships.  Each day we are improving musically and technically, as individuals and as a band.
Photos  

Sunday/Monday Blog

Sunday/Monday Blog

We arrived at Allerton Park yesterday ready for a great week of music and fun. We settled in quickly and got right to work. As evening arrived we got better acquainted with the local wildlife, we now have a much better appreciation for bug spray. Kitty Cat Mustache Monday started out cooler than we expected for a late July morning. Whiskered and energetic we began our first full day. Music, drill and flag routines keep everyone busy, but there is still time for fun. Swimming and kayaking in the pond, exploring the trails and gardens, playing frisbee, football or with water balloons, listening to the drum staff play on the steel drums, the brass ensemble rehearse or the staff practice, or just hanging out relaxing. What a wonderful beginning to the week.PHOTOS