Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Things They Don't Tell You Going Into ONUMB Camp
Ohio Northern University Marching Band Camp is a combination of a lot of hard, sweaty work and a crazy-good time. However, there are a few things that would have been nice to know coming into it our first year. Hopefully, this will be a good reference for incoming members.
First, there ARE auditions, but don't freak out too much about them. Auditions take place on the first day of band camp, but no one is cut from the band. It is important to be able to play the songs specified by Dr. Bates prior to camp and to be able to sightread a little bit, but as long as you can play your instrument, you should be fine.
Second, every day will be themed, and there will be nightly activities, so make sure to participate in those--we all do it! The activities especially are a great chance to get to know your fellow bandmates!
Third, come to practices on time! This should be obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many people are late.
Fourth, the band arrives at ONU the earliest, and leaves the latest. We begin band camp a week and a half before classes begin, and we leave when Commencement is over in the Spring. This has both its perks and negatives, so it's good to just be aware of the large time commitment of the various campus bands.
Fifth, buy rainboots. This doesn't just go for band, but for ONU in general. It rains a lot, and the marching band practice field (along with the rest of campus) turns into a huge mud pit.
Finally, take advantage of all the opportunities ONUMB has to offer, whether it is joining KKY or TBS--the band fraternity and sorority--traveling abroad, or just attending Band Formals in the Spring. The more involved you are, the more you get out of the band.
First, there ARE auditions, but don't freak out too much about them. Auditions take place on the first day of band camp, but no one is cut from the band. It is important to be able to play the songs specified by Dr. Bates prior to camp and to be able to sightread a little bit, but as long as you can play your instrument, you should be fine.
Second, every day will be themed, and there will be nightly activities, so make sure to participate in those--we all do it! The activities especially are a great chance to get to know your fellow bandmates!
Third, come to practices on time! This should be obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many people are late.
Fourth, the band arrives at ONU the earliest, and leaves the latest. We begin band camp a week and a half before classes begin, and we leave when Commencement is over in the Spring. This has both its perks and negatives, so it's good to just be aware of the large time commitment of the various campus bands.
Fifth, buy rainboots. This doesn't just go for band, but for ONU in general. It rains a lot, and the marching band practice field (along with the rest of campus) turns into a huge mud pit.
Finally, take advantage of all the opportunities ONUMB has to offer, whether it is joining KKY or TBS--the band fraternity and sorority--traveling abroad, or just attending Band Formals in the Spring. The more involved you are, the more you get out of the band.
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