Band Camp: Everything you need to know

Ryan Howell
5 days ago
4 min read

From Zane Romanek, Bothell Band Director:

I hope that your break has been filled with relaxation, restoration, and a ton of fun with this beautiful summer! I can’t believe that school is around the corner as we approach our last month of break, which means it is time to start thinking about marching band camp!

This letter will give you a look at the season, as well as important information about camp that starts soon!

Band Camp Dates

Wed. 8/12	9 am - 12 pm:	Drum majors and section leaders
Thurs. 8/13	9 am - 12 pm:	All freshmen, all drum line, drum majors, section leaders
Fri. 8/14	9 am - 12 pm:	All freshmen, all drum line, drum majors, section leaders
Mon. 8/17	10 am - 8 pm:	All band members
Tues. 8/18	10 am - 8 pm:	All band members
Wed. 8/19	10 am - 8 pm:	All band members
Thus. 8/20	10 am - 8 pm:	All band members
Fri. 8/21	10 am - 6 pm:	All band members

Last Day, End of Camp Show at 6 pm followed by a band potluck!!

What to Expect for Camp

Marching camp is the time to set our year up for success in creating music and connecting with each other! We will work hard on learning tunes for the season, practicing marching fundamentals, learning the drill for our shows, and also get to spend time building our band community through activities, games, and hanging out together! This is an ENERGETIC, ACTIVE ensemble, so be prepared to move A LOT by hydrating, wearing sunscreen, eating a good breakfast, and wearing appropriate clothing every day!

For new members, this may seem like a very daunting week, but trust me when I say that this is one of the best ways to get started with high school! You are getting plugged into a family of other like-minded students and you will get to meet new friends before school even starts! Freshmen will have two days to get to know both their section leader and each other before getting plugged in with the rest of the band, so the transition into high school band is not as intimidating as it may seem.

What to Bring Everyday for Camp

- Your instrument AND all accessories

- Flip folder with 20 windows (more about that below)

- Sack lunch (dinners are provided by the Music Boosters)

- Hat/sun glasses

- SUNSCREEN!!!

- WATER!!!

- COMFORTABLE athletic shoes (no sandals, flip flops, Crocs, etc.)

Required Items for Marching Season

I am excited to be unveiling our brand new BHS Band Logo soon!! This will be featured on our new shirts and hats. More information to come soon on this, but just know that these will be ordered through the Music Boosters like previous years.

- BHS Band Shirt and Hat

- Purchase information available soon

- Flip folder with 20 windows (40 sides)

- Can be ordered through the Boosters OR purchased from a music store/online

- Instrument lyre (instrument specific! Check to make sure it fits your instrument!)

- Can be purchased from a music store or online

- ALL BLACK shoes for shows (no colored logos, laces, lines, etc.)

- Here is an example. They DO NOT have to be marching band-specific. Any all black athletic shoe will do fine.

- ALL BLACK crew-length socks for shows

Marching Shows and Other Dates

Fri. 9/11	vs. Lake Stevens	7:00 pm kick-off (4:30 call)
Sat. 9/12	HUSKY BAND DAY field trip	UW (all day, times TBD)
Thus. 9/17	vs. Glacier Peak	7:00 pm kick-off (4:30 call)
Tues. 9/29	Drumline plays @ UW Bothell	Times TBD
Sat. 10/3	vs. Juanita	1:00 kick-off (10:30 call)
Fri. 10/16	vs. North Creek (Hoco/Senior night)	7:00 pm kick-off (4:30 call)

Post Season games are possible if the football team makes the playoffs - dates/times TBD

Parent Help

We are in need of assistance with food and beverage provisions for the week of camp! If you are able to help out, please visit the sign-up form here. If you are not already connected with the Music Boosters, this is a great time to get plugged in! We are also in need of volunteers with many performances, events, and fundraising opportunities throughout the year, so please join the BHS Music Booster email list here, or visit https://www.bothellmusicboosters.org/contact.

Band App

If you are not already, please join us on the Band App for our calendar, communication, and other important announcements. This is a safe and private group, so I encourage all parents and students to join! It is helpful for me to have both your first and last name listed so I know who you are, especially if you are sending me messages. Scan the QR code to join.