Band Camp Mayhem

It's been over a month of non-blogging and there is actually a good reason why; marching band.  Near the beginning of July I started preparing for three weeks (two and a half actually) of teaching the percussion section during band camp.  I didn't plan on going so long without blogging, but the only access I had to wi-fi was at McDonald's, so now it's catch-up time.

Percussion camp was first in the band camp series and it went great.  The line I worked with is very young but has so much potential.  Within the first few days I could tell that they were all very determined to learn and practice.  The entire band had pre-camp the following week, in which I was able to get to know more students in the program and help out with fundamentals.  The last week was actual band camp where the band had the opportunity to stay at a campsite and learn the show in a unique environment.

The percussion section alongside me and the other percussion instructor.  (faces are blurred for protection)

This was the second summer I was able to work with this program and I'm still amazed at the wonderful attitudes and discipline the students have.  Each day was a learning experience that challenged me to look at my teaching abilities in a different way.  The student's outlook on marching band began to change as the days passed, they where always striving to become better marchers, musicians, and people.

The awesome band directors and instructors.

I could go on and on about how great the program is, how much enjoyment I get from teaching the students, how fun staying at the campsite was, and just how memorable the entire experience was, but instead I will leave you with some bullet points to sum up the experience.

• Great people to teach alongside.
• Wonderful students.
• The one thing I look forward to each summer.
• Beautiful campsite.
• Great housing.
• Not-so-great cafeteria food.
• 6:00am-9:30pm days!
• New friendships.
• Expanding teaching skills.
• Teaching experience to remember for a life-time.
• #wannagoback (I love teaching so much that I used a hash tag...I despise hash tags)

This summer may or may not be my last summer with this specific band program because of possible career options I may have next year.  If all goes well with future career aspects then I'll be back next summer to work with this band program along with having my own teaching job next fall.