The Wednesday of band camp seems to be a transitionary day. Everyone is generally still feeling pretty good in the morning. They’re tired and sore, of course. Some have blisters and sunburn but no one has had to leave due to illness or injury. That’s always a welcome thing, but the third day of camp seems to impact the stamina of the students. The morning’s warm-ups get more challenging as the week continues due to the diminished energy level of everyone. The morning drill session was located across from the football stadium in the practice field area. The dew was heavy on the grass and the sky was lacking cloud cover and it had the feel of a great start to the day.
After some time was spent rehearsing, a guest stopped by. This particular guest was accompanied by a news cameraman. It was Teresa Weakley from Wood TV Channel 8 here to put together a piece for an upcoming spot on their Football Frenzy. Film was taken of the marching band as a whole and some close-up shots were taken of footwork and other techniques. Two of our drum majors, Kyle Bohlinger and Emily Rose, both seniors, were interviewed along with our band director, Mr. Zamborsky. They spent quite a bit of time with each of them and the band as a whole. The cameraman even climbed the scaffolding to take some footage from there. We look forward to seeing the final piece when it is presented during the Football Frenzy the week of our opening home football game (Aug 23). A reminder will be sent through the Jenison Bands email closer to that date. The remainder of the morning rehearsal was productive and we soon headed for the cafeteria for lunch. The cafeteria became a bit more crowded today as Hope’s football team moved in.
Sectionals again followed lunch. A lot of the pictures from yesterday were from sectionals. Soon after they returned to the practice field another visitor arrived. This one drove their vehicle along the side of the field to the edge of the first group of marchers. Then they got out of the vehicle, opened the trunk, and started handing out popsicles. Word spread quickly and the band rushed over to partake in this frozen refreshment. So, who was this very popular visitor? Ron Good of Meyer Music, one of our biggest supporters and important partners. He was very careful to include stops at the practice areas for the Battery and Color Guard so they, too, could enjoy this treat. He missed one group – the chaperones. We like treats, too. But, we hold no ill will. We are adults after all.
The dinner hour came and went as it tends to do every day. The evening rehearsal saw a large increase in the number of parents coming to watch the run through. There may have been 50-70 people lined up on the lawn. This audience was also witness to our first few injuries of the week. To this point in the week, we had some sore muscles, chaffing, headaches, dizziness, and mild dehydration symptoms. Nothing serious and stuff that is seen every year. These new injuries included some falls and bruising. Chaperoning is never scripted and always changing direction.
After the run through, the marching band returned to the residence hall. This is the night where the seniors go out for ice cream and socialize with the directors and techs. It is an entertaining time as they recount stories and adventures from the previous four years of competition. (Sorry, there are no pictures posted from this event). The remaining students get to hang out in the hall, order pizza, have snacks, play games, and generally have a good time. And they really do. It is a great time for rest and relaxation and bonding. And then, it’s curfew. Everyone to their rooms and lights off soon after. Another day is done.