WELCOME TO SUMMER BAND!
Below is a list of dates and corresponding information in which all members of the Hays Hawk Band will need to know entering into this years Summer Band Camp. It should be noted that not every event listed below is required by every member of the band program. Dates are also tentative and are subject to change given adjustments in the academic calendar or bad weather days. We always do our best to communicate any significant changes well in advance. Students should wear light colored athletic clothing and be prepared for both inside and outside activities. Students will be responsible for providing their own lunch during these days or they may elect to purchase a meal plan through the Hays Band Boosters. Students must bring their issued Hays Band Water Jugs (filled) and it is encouraged that they bring additional snacks to last throughout the duration of each day.
Below is a list of dates and corresponding information in which all members of the Hays Hawk Band will need to know entering into this years Summer Band Camp. It should be noted that not every event listed below is required by every member of the band program. Dates are also tentative and are subject to change given adjustments in the academic calendar or bad weather days. We always do our best to communicate any significant changes well in advance. Students should wear light colored athletic clothing and be prepared for both inside and outside activities. Students will be responsible for providing their own lunch during these days or they may elect to purchase a meal plan through the Hays Band Boosters. Students must bring their issued Hays Band Water Jugs (filled) and it is encouraged that they bring additional snacks to last throughout the duration of each day.
WELCOME BACK CAMP INFORMATION
Dates: July 22nd - July 24th
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm (every day)
Location: HHS Practice Field / HHS Music Building
Who: All Woodwind & Brass New Members & BLT Membership
The welcome back camp is designed to re-acclimate freshmen and new members to the Hays Band program. Additionally, this camp will serve as a final opportunity for freshmen and new band students to receive training before the official summer band evaluation process begins for select marching spots. These dates, like all summer band dates are mandatory.
Dates: July 22nd - July 24th
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm (every day)
Location: HHS Practice Field / HHS Music Building
Who: All Woodwind & Brass New Members & BLT Membership
The welcome back camp is designed to re-acclimate freshmen and new members to the Hays Band program. Additionally, this camp will serve as a final opportunity for freshmen and new band students to receive training before the official summer band evaluation process begins for select marching spots. These dates, like all summer band dates are mandatory.
HAYS PERCUSSION CAMP
Dates: July 22nd - July 25th
Times: 8:00am-4:00pm
Location: HHS Practice Field / HHS Music Building
Who: All members of the Hays High School Front Ensemble & Drum Line
The Hays High School Band program will be hosting a series of percussion camps for members of both the drum line and front ensemble. It should be noted that these camps are a requirement for all percussion members. Students should wear light colored athletic clothing and be prepared for both inside and outside activities. Students will be responsible for providing their own lunch during these days or they may elect to purchase a meal plan through the Hays Band Boosters. Students must bring water jugs (filled) and it is encouraged that they bring additional snacks to last throughout the duration of each day. These dates, like all summer band dates are mandatory.
Questions: Email Mr. Briones at [email protected]
Dates: July 22nd - July 25th
Times: 8:00am-4:00pm
Location: HHS Practice Field / HHS Music Building
Who: All members of the Hays High School Front Ensemble & Drum Line
The Hays High School Band program will be hosting a series of percussion camps for members of both the drum line and front ensemble. It should be noted that these camps are a requirement for all percussion members. Students should wear light colored athletic clothing and be prepared for both inside and outside activities. Students will be responsible for providing their own lunch during these days or they may elect to purchase a meal plan through the Hays Band Boosters. Students must bring water jugs (filled) and it is encouraged that they bring additional snacks to last throughout the duration of each day. These dates, like all summer band dates are mandatory.
Questions: Email Mr. Briones at [email protected]
HAYS COLOR GUARD CAMP
Dates: July 22nd - July 26th
Times: 8:00am-4:00pm
Location: Joe Graham Gym
Who: All members of the Hays High School Color Guard
The Hays High School Band program will be hosting a series of color guard camps for members of the Hays Color Guard program. It should be noted that these camps are a requirement for all color guard members. Students should wear red athletic tops, black bottoms and be prepared for both inside and outside activities. Students will be responsible for providing their own lunch during these days or they may elect to purchase a meal plan through the Hays Band Boosters. Students must bring water jugs (filled) and it is encouraged that they bring additional snacks to last throughout the duration of each day. These dates, like all summer band dates are mandatory.
Questions: Email Mrs. Martinez at [email protected]
Dates: July 22nd - July 26th
Times: 8:00am-4:00pm
Location: Joe Graham Gym
Who: All members of the Hays High School Color Guard
The Hays High School Band program will be hosting a series of color guard camps for members of the Hays Color Guard program. It should be noted that these camps are a requirement for all color guard members. Students should wear red athletic tops, black bottoms and be prepared for both inside and outside activities. Students will be responsible for providing their own lunch during these days or they may elect to purchase a meal plan through the Hays Band Boosters. Students must bring water jugs (filled) and it is encouraged that they bring additional snacks to last throughout the duration of each day. These dates, like all summer band dates are mandatory.
Questions: Email Mrs. Martinez at [email protected]
BAND CHECK-IN DAY
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Location: Hays High School Music Building
Time: See Below Schedule
Who: All members of the Hays Band & Color Guard Program
It is important to note that the band check-in day is a requirement for all band and color guard members. The purpose of the band check in day is in relation to the following:
To best accommodate a smooth and quick check-in process, we are asking that members please abide by the following schedule:
Prior to arriving to campus for band check-in, parents and students should work together to make sure they have / completed the following:
Questions: Email Mr. Collins at [email protected]
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Location: Hays High School Music Building
Time: See Below Schedule
Who: All members of the Hays Band & Color Guard Program
It is important to note that the band check-in day is a requirement for all band and color guard members. The purpose of the band check in day is in relation to the following:
- Confirmation of band fees paid.
- Confirmation of health physical on file.
- Sizing of band uniform and uniform accessories.
- Pick-up of personal items such as band issued items.
- Receive important band booster information for the school year.
To best accommodate a smooth and quick check-in process, we are asking that members please abide by the following schedule:
- 12:00-1:00pm - All Color Guard
- 2:00-3:00pm - Seniors
- 3:00-4:00pm - Freshmen
- 4:00-5:00pm - Juniors
- 5:00-6:00pm - Sophomores
Prior to arriving to campus for band check-in, parents and students should work together to make sure they have / completed the following:
- Obtain a copy of the students Health Physical
- Pay all band and guard fees in FULL - Pay Fees HERE
- Make sure that student is wearing a t-shirt, preferably dry-fit or under-armor material (for uniform sizing, does not apply to guard members.)
- Make sure that student is wearing compression style underwear (for uniform sizing, does not apply to guard members.)
- Make sure that student is wearing socks or brings a pair of socks (for uniform sizing, does not apply to guard members.)
Questions: Email Mr. Collins at [email protected]
WHAT TO BRING EACH DAY
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
It is important to realize that the first couple of days of summer band camp may be a little challenging for both new and returning members. This is a period of "acclimation"...whether that be to the heat outside or the learning environment and atmosphere. We ask that you as a parent help encourage your student to stick through any challenges they may feel arise throughout the first couple of days. These feelings are normal!
In regards to the outdoor heat, we have noticed a trend amongst members of the band program. Those students who spend a lot of time indoors prior to summer band camp experience more difficulty acclimating to the temperature of the outdoors than those students who strategically acclimate themselves weeks prior. Students should expect it to be warm outside and know that proper dieting and hydration is key to a more enjoyable camp experience. Make sure you prepare by getting fluids in BEFORE heading outside. Have a glass of water or two at each meal. Parents should also know that as a band staff we will continue to push hydration and healthy dieting for our students. We will also allow them plenty of hydration breaks throughout our morning block outside and students will receive a 30 minute break during the morning block to socialize, rest, snack and recharge.
NUTRITION
Marching band is a physical activity, and there are some long days during band camp and on game days. Eating well is just as important as all of the above considerations, and that starts with a good breakfast. While you may not be running a marathon, you should still eat like an athlete! Keep the following in mind when you make your breakfast plans. If you're eating in your room, keep some of the good items on hand and avoid the bad ones. Consider the following suggestions:
Good options for breakfast:
Carbohydrates: Oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, bagels, low-sugar cereal, whole grain bread, fruits
Protein: Eggs, peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, lean meat (such as Canadian bacon or turkey bacon)
Bad options for breakfast:
Carbohydrates: Pop Tarts, doughnuts, sugary cereal, candy bars
Protein: Fast food breakfast sandwiches, high fat meat (such as real bacon or sausage), gravy
Try to avoid skipping breakfast! Without breakfast, your blood glucose levels will drop, causing fatigue, lack of focus, and a general "blah" feeling. Combined with the increased activity level and time in the sun, this can even lead to fainting or worse problems. Have some protein bars and fruit on hand as a backup in case you miss breakfast for some reason. These same tips can go throughout the day. Avoid high-fat and high-sugar items, and make sure you get a good mix of carbohydrates and protein. Don't avoid fat altogether, though, as your body does use it for fuel.
- Band issued water jug (filled with ice water)
- Instrument and all accessories (valve oil, reeds, slide grease, swabs, ligature, mouthpiece, etc)
- Hawk Band music binder with ALL music
- Pencils for marking in music
- Heat protection - Hat, Sunscreen, Sun glasses
- Lunch (if not on the meal plan)
- Snacks to enjoy during break times (snacks will be provided during each morning break outside)
- Cell phone / electronic device with access to Ultimate Drill Book app (for learning drill)
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
It is important to realize that the first couple of days of summer band camp may be a little challenging for both new and returning members. This is a period of "acclimation"...whether that be to the heat outside or the learning environment and atmosphere. We ask that you as a parent help encourage your student to stick through any challenges they may feel arise throughout the first couple of days. These feelings are normal!
In regards to the outdoor heat, we have noticed a trend amongst members of the band program. Those students who spend a lot of time indoors prior to summer band camp experience more difficulty acclimating to the temperature of the outdoors than those students who strategically acclimate themselves weeks prior. Students should expect it to be warm outside and know that proper dieting and hydration is key to a more enjoyable camp experience. Make sure you prepare by getting fluids in BEFORE heading outside. Have a glass of water or two at each meal. Parents should also know that as a band staff we will continue to push hydration and healthy dieting for our students. We will also allow them plenty of hydration breaks throughout our morning block outside and students will receive a 30 minute break during the morning block to socialize, rest, snack and recharge.
NUTRITION
Marching band is a physical activity, and there are some long days during band camp and on game days. Eating well is just as important as all of the above considerations, and that starts with a good breakfast. While you may not be running a marathon, you should still eat like an athlete! Keep the following in mind when you make your breakfast plans. If you're eating in your room, keep some of the good items on hand and avoid the bad ones. Consider the following suggestions:
Good options for breakfast:
Carbohydrates: Oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, bagels, low-sugar cereal, whole grain bread, fruits
Protein: Eggs, peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, lean meat (such as Canadian bacon or turkey bacon)
Bad options for breakfast:
Carbohydrates: Pop Tarts, doughnuts, sugary cereal, candy bars
Protein: Fast food breakfast sandwiches, high fat meat (such as real bacon or sausage), gravy
Try to avoid skipping breakfast! Without breakfast, your blood glucose levels will drop, causing fatigue, lack of focus, and a general "blah" feeling. Combined with the increased activity level and time in the sun, this can even lead to fainting or worse problems. Have some protein bars and fruit on hand as a backup in case you miss breakfast for some reason. These same tips can go throughout the day. Avoid high-fat and high-sugar items, and make sure you get a good mix of carbohydrates and protein. Don't avoid fat altogether, though, as your body does use it for fuel.