Freshmen Camp

A pre-band camp reflection:

I just got home from this year's Rookie Camp where we teach all of the 16 new freshmen how to march and play. I didn't go to Rookie Camp last summer because I was in China, so I am really glad that I am here for it this year.

We have really good freshmen this year -- not saying that any of the previous ones were bad, but just saying that this year's freshmen are really awesome. Definitely better than my freshman year. Their positive attitudes, willingness to stand at attention without moving, and open ears to constructive criticism makes up a lot for the lack of numbers. It's okay that we have 16 marchers, as long as they are strong and willing to work hard and have fun. That's really what our band should be about this year: building a constructive environment so that everyone in the program will want to work hard but are also relaxed enough to have fun.

Watching the freshmen march brings back pre-high school memories when I was really scared to talk to people and nervous at camp. Even last year it was really difficult for me to connect with people in the band. But at Rookie Camp these days, I've felt this ease that has never been around last year. I've changed so much in the past 4 years -- a mere 4 years and a person can become so different! Isn't that weird? Not saying I am completely outgoing now or anything, but at least now I am not afraid to go up to people I don't know in band and start talking to them. And compared to last year as a first year drum major, I definitely feel more comfortable getting in front of our band and fixing things that are wrong. I hope this isn't just a three day thing that goes away at band camp. I'm still a little nervous about going to camp again and seeing if I can be a better drum major this year and change some of the things from last year, but I was nervous about Rookie Camp and it's turned out great. So I say, keep up a positive attitidue and go for it.

The officers are doing pretty well too. Of course we aren't perfect and have issues we need to work out, but overall everyone is willing to help. Nobody is officious or overbearing. We all help the freshmen in stride but don't overwhelm them. I hope they aren't intimidated! I think we are going to be more responsible too this year as an officer group, but that's probably because I have this mindset that we are going to be, so I'm not sure if that really is the case. But from the first two days, it seems like to be the case. So... considering the officers can't spell and welcomed the freshmen with "Wecome to Parkview Band!" posters, I think we are doing pretty well. (Insert "d'oh!" here.)

--Emily