percussion: yea my first reviewer! hey I would have enjoyed a football game
then JB
CaveliCadetDevil: that part's coming soon. I haven't really met the seniors yet
ShadowPuppet34: thanks!
Band Camp- The First Day
The night before we went to band camp, I actually slept. Normally I only sleep when I really need it, which isn't very often. That night though, I went to bed at 9, and got up at 9 to go to church, an amazing 12 hours of sleep. Church was boring as usual. I relished the taste of a Krispy Kreme doughnut, for I soon knew I would have nothing but camp food to eat.
When I got home, I went straight to packing. My procrastinating had, as usual, made me wait until the very last minute to pack my stuff. I grabbed a bag out of my closet, shoved some clothes inside, as well as My Thoughts and journal (in case something happened, I never though it would) All I had to do was find batteries for my CD player and I was set.
My gloomy nature from the previous week had disappeared. Instead I was happy and proud that I was going to be in the band. Filled with my new happiness I marched with all my stuff into the band room, only to be immediately marched back out. I still had to put all my stuff up. First, I took it to the labeling table, where a nice strip of masking tape with my name was stuck on all of my belongings, minus the pillow. I was then able to throw my stuff down and go find my friends.
Mouldy, Brittany, Alex, and Hannah had gotten there before me, and were standing near the door talking. On my way to them, I spied a group of people sitting on the table. One of them was the boy from yesterday. He caught my gaze, and narrowed his eyes at me. I narrowed mine back, but immediately was distracted by the talk going on in front of me. Mouldy was telling her story about Charlie, something I had to listen to.
After a few minutes we moved to chairs so they could sit down. Our band director, Mr. Williams, came in and told everyone to take a seat. (ironic or what?) I, who had been standing as I was far too full of energy, was forced to take a seat between Hannah and Alex.
Mr. Williams gave us the rules for the week, and a basic itinerary for each day. We were also handed out music for our flip folders. About mid-July, we had received the first two pieces of our show, Pictures of Spain and El Salon de Mexico. Our third piece for our field show entitled, Maleguena we would get at camp. These three pieces made up The Latin Show, our half-time performance for this year. After this short announcement, we were called to attention, then sent out to load up.
Luggage and large instruments were placed on our ever faithful band truck that carries our crap everywhere. It's become our icon in the town, as well as throughout Alabama. Smaller instruments, pillows, and carry-ons were taken on the bus with us. After all our stuff had been shoved into our seats, we were called back outside to be placed in block. Everyday, be it to march to the practice parking lot or stadium or on parade days, this is what we would be in. First came the colorguards, majorettes, and drum line. Next the flutes and clarinets (my section!). After us the saxophones and trumpets, followed by the mellephones and baritones. Finally, heading up the rear, were the tubas.
Once placed, we memorized who we were next to, so we could set quickly. I was the second person from the right, maybe seven rows back. On my right was Leigh Ellen, and on my left, Bree. They were both sophomores, and took time in convincing me that band was cool and I would have fun. We had a nice chat before we were once more called to attention. The seniors were released to their buses, then the juniors, the sophomores, and finally us, the freshmen.
We clamored to our seats, making sure we wouldn't get stuck up front by the chaperones. I, luckily, got a seat to myself towards the back of the bus. Alex and Brittany were in front of me, and Hannah and Laura in front of them. By now, we were all beginning to wonder where in the world Clara was. She had never shown up at loading, and she wasn't on the bus. We weren't sure how or when she would get to camp, but eventually our curiosity subsided and we went into our regular routines. I, jammed my headphones on and started cranking music, as did Alex and Brittany. We had fun swapping CD's and talking about what we had done over the summer. An hour and a half later, we got to camp.
Upon our arrival, everything from the truck and busses was dumped into a big pile in the middle of the street. We were told to take our stuff, get our keys, and find our rooms. After we had done that, we had an hour to explore the campus before it was time to line up for block before dinner,
Now Clara, who stilled remained AWOL was my roommate. I wasn't sure what to do about her, so I decided to retrieve the keys. Most people had picked up their bags and were heading up the hill to our dorms, but I left mine in the pile. I figured I would do better without them. Sure enough, I quickly slipped through the girls lugging around their twenty pound bags to the front desk. I got the keys and was on my way up to the room before most had even passed through the door.
My room was on the very top floor, three stories up. That meant three stories of stairs every meal, practice, and free time, but that fact didn't bother me. Running up and down stairs was one of my favorite late night activities(don't ask me why) I scaled the steps with ease and opened the door to our hall. It was the first door on the right.
After a few tries with the key, I finally got the door open and my first look at where I would be staying for the next week. The room was plain enough. Two twin beds with a dresser squeezed between them were on one side of the room. Each had it's own light, and a few drawers squeezed beneath it. On the opposite side were two desks, a mirror, and two closets. Nothing special, but it was home. Making my way back down the stairs, I went in search of my bags.
I hiked back down the hill that the girl's dorms, as well as the cafeteria and game room, were on, to the bus. The boy's dorms were further down the street. My stuff was still in it's pile. Quickly finding my instrument and bag, I slung it over my shoulder and marched right back up the hill. Pausing in the lobby, I scooped up my carry on and pillow, the continued right back up to my room. As soon as I passed through the door, everything was thrown on the ground. I then took my sheets out of my bag. After making my bed, I had nothing else to do, so I in search of my friends.
Right across the hall from me was Mouldy and Brittany's room. They had just gotten in and were unpacking their stuff. I had opted to leave it in my bag and take stuff out as it was needed. I left them to make their room nice, while I went off to find my other friends. Five rooms down from Brittany and Mouldy were Hannah and Alex. They too, were unpacking their stuff, so I left them alone and went to have a look at the dreaded bathroom. As expected, the tiled walls were chipped yellow. Every stall door was without a lock. The shower heads sputtered and spit water, cold of course, everywhere. About half the sinks worked. It was your typical camp bathroom.
The hour passed far to quickly, and soon we were outside lining up in our block. It didn't take me to long to find my spot. I just stood by the people who were near me until everyone else formed. Once in block, we were called to attention and given a few basic commands. Yet again, we were released by grade to the lunch line. The line stretched all the way out the door, but using my smallness, I shoved my way through the double doors. Inside wasn't much better. After what felt like an hour of waiting, I finally got near the trays. Grabbing a few, I passed them out to all my friends.
Our dinner that night was chicken fingers, not to bad. Thank the lord, they had soft drinks and a salad bar. We sat down at the end of a long table, I right next to the window. Hannah was across from me, and Leslie beside me. The spots filled up quickly and we were soon submersed in conversation with a few of the sophomores. They talked about last years memories and disasters, making us wish we had been there for the competition in which it had rained all day, so the field was basically a mud pit. One that more then one victim had lost a shoe in. I hoped that this year would be just as fun.
After dinner, we had a few minutes to run up to our room to put our instruments together before we had to rush back down to get in block. This time when we were called to attention, we moved. Mr. Williams gave us the forward march command and we were off to the field. We stopped traffic as we marched down the street, finally stopping at parade rest. It was time for our first practice at band camp.
The first thing we did was fundamental block. The skills we had learned last week at freshmen band camp were tested to their utmost limit. I had thought they were easy, but soon found out it wasn't so. We added slides, and backwards marching, both of which confused me to death at first. I got the hang of it quickly enough but that first session was grueling and left me feeling as if my arms were about to fall off. It was growing dark, so we congregated by a nearby street light. We got into our concert arcs, and played through the show music. I hadn't touched my music before the Tuesday practice, and was absolutely confused about what I was supposed to be playing. As soon as I heard the music though it made sense. I've never been a sight reader, but once I hear it, I'll do fine.
We finished our music, and were congratulated on our work thus far. Tomorrow though, was to be much harder and more complicated. At least now, it was time for bed. Canteen was offered in the large building across the street, so we all filed in to get our drink and candy bar before bed. As I was walking through the lobby I spied a TV, my favorite show ever Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on. Drawn like a magnet, I sat down on the couch to eat and enjoy my show. The coke machine was right next to the area where I was watching television, so random people came and introduced themselves while getting a drink. Three of these girls, were drawn like I was to the TV, as they to were avid Buffy watchers. They introduced themselves as Denise, Tori, and Lisa, all of whom were in my section. We talked about different things, until it was 5 minutes before 10, and forced to go upstairs for lights out.
I was still alone, but that didn't bother me. In fact, I much preferred it. I put on my pajamas, and crawled into bed with my headphones on. So ended my first day of band camp. Tomorrow was to be a very eventful day indeed.
CaveliCadetDevil: that part's coming soon. I haven't really met the seniors yet
ShadowPuppet34: thanks!
Band Camp- The First Day
The night before we went to band camp, I actually slept. Normally I only sleep when I really need it, which isn't very often. That night though, I went to bed at 9, and got up at 9 to go to church, an amazing 12 hours of sleep. Church was boring as usual. I relished the taste of a Krispy Kreme doughnut, for I soon knew I would have nothing but camp food to eat.
When I got home, I went straight to packing. My procrastinating had, as usual, made me wait until the very last minute to pack my stuff. I grabbed a bag out of my closet, shoved some clothes inside, as well as My Thoughts and journal (in case something happened, I never though it would) All I had to do was find batteries for my CD player and I was set.
My gloomy nature from the previous week had disappeared. Instead I was happy and proud that I was going to be in the band. Filled with my new happiness I marched with all my stuff into the band room, only to be immediately marched back out. I still had to put all my stuff up. First, I took it to the labeling table, where a nice strip of masking tape with my name was stuck on all of my belongings, minus the pillow. I was then able to throw my stuff down and go find my friends.
Mouldy, Brittany, Alex, and Hannah had gotten there before me, and were standing near the door talking. On my way to them, I spied a group of people sitting on the table. One of them was the boy from yesterday. He caught my gaze, and narrowed his eyes at me. I narrowed mine back, but immediately was distracted by the talk going on in front of me. Mouldy was telling her story about Charlie, something I had to listen to.
After a few minutes we moved to chairs so they could sit down. Our band director, Mr. Williams, came in and told everyone to take a seat. (ironic or what?) I, who had been standing as I was far too full of energy, was forced to take a seat between Hannah and Alex.
Mr. Williams gave us the rules for the week, and a basic itinerary for each day. We were also handed out music for our flip folders. About mid-July, we had received the first two pieces of our show, Pictures of Spain and El Salon de Mexico. Our third piece for our field show entitled, Maleguena we would get at camp. These three pieces made up The Latin Show, our half-time performance for this year. After this short announcement, we were called to attention, then sent out to load up.
Luggage and large instruments were placed on our ever faithful band truck that carries our crap everywhere. It's become our icon in the town, as well as throughout Alabama. Smaller instruments, pillows, and carry-ons were taken on the bus with us. After all our stuff had been shoved into our seats, we were called back outside to be placed in block. Everyday, be it to march to the practice parking lot or stadium or on parade days, this is what we would be in. First came the colorguards, majorettes, and drum line. Next the flutes and clarinets (my section!). After us the saxophones and trumpets, followed by the mellephones and baritones. Finally, heading up the rear, were the tubas.
Once placed, we memorized who we were next to, so we could set quickly. I was the second person from the right, maybe seven rows back. On my right was Leigh Ellen, and on my left, Bree. They were both sophomores, and took time in convincing me that band was cool and I would have fun. We had a nice chat before we were once more called to attention. The seniors were released to their buses, then the juniors, the sophomores, and finally us, the freshmen.
We clamored to our seats, making sure we wouldn't get stuck up front by the chaperones. I, luckily, got a seat to myself towards the back of the bus. Alex and Brittany were in front of me, and Hannah and Laura in front of them. By now, we were all beginning to wonder where in the world Clara was. She had never shown up at loading, and she wasn't on the bus. We weren't sure how or when she would get to camp, but eventually our curiosity subsided and we went into our regular routines. I, jammed my headphones on and started cranking music, as did Alex and Brittany. We had fun swapping CD's and talking about what we had done over the summer. An hour and a half later, we got to camp.
Upon our arrival, everything from the truck and busses was dumped into a big pile in the middle of the street. We were told to take our stuff, get our keys, and find our rooms. After we had done that, we had an hour to explore the campus before it was time to line up for block before dinner,
Now Clara, who stilled remained AWOL was my roommate. I wasn't sure what to do about her, so I decided to retrieve the keys. Most people had picked up their bags and were heading up the hill to our dorms, but I left mine in the pile. I figured I would do better without them. Sure enough, I quickly slipped through the girls lugging around their twenty pound bags to the front desk. I got the keys and was on my way up to the room before most had even passed through the door.
My room was on the very top floor, three stories up. That meant three stories of stairs every meal, practice, and free time, but that fact didn't bother me. Running up and down stairs was one of my favorite late night activities(don't ask me why) I scaled the steps with ease and opened the door to our hall. It was the first door on the right.
After a few tries with the key, I finally got the door open and my first look at where I would be staying for the next week. The room was plain enough. Two twin beds with a dresser squeezed between them were on one side of the room. Each had it's own light, and a few drawers squeezed beneath it. On the opposite side were two desks, a mirror, and two closets. Nothing special, but it was home. Making my way back down the stairs, I went in search of my bags.
I hiked back down the hill that the girl's dorms, as well as the cafeteria and game room, were on, to the bus. The boy's dorms were further down the street. My stuff was still in it's pile. Quickly finding my instrument and bag, I slung it over my shoulder and marched right back up the hill. Pausing in the lobby, I scooped up my carry on and pillow, the continued right back up to my room. As soon as I passed through the door, everything was thrown on the ground. I then took my sheets out of my bag. After making my bed, I had nothing else to do, so I in search of my friends.
Right across the hall from me was Mouldy and Brittany's room. They had just gotten in and were unpacking their stuff. I had opted to leave it in my bag and take stuff out as it was needed. I left them to make their room nice, while I went off to find my other friends. Five rooms down from Brittany and Mouldy were Hannah and Alex. They too, were unpacking their stuff, so I left them alone and went to have a look at the dreaded bathroom. As expected, the tiled walls were chipped yellow. Every stall door was without a lock. The shower heads sputtered and spit water, cold of course, everywhere. About half the sinks worked. It was your typical camp bathroom.
The hour passed far to quickly, and soon we were outside lining up in our block. It didn't take me to long to find my spot. I just stood by the people who were near me until everyone else formed. Once in block, we were called to attention and given a few basic commands. Yet again, we were released by grade to the lunch line. The line stretched all the way out the door, but using my smallness, I shoved my way through the double doors. Inside wasn't much better. After what felt like an hour of waiting, I finally got near the trays. Grabbing a few, I passed them out to all my friends.
Our dinner that night was chicken fingers, not to bad. Thank the lord, they had soft drinks and a salad bar. We sat down at the end of a long table, I right next to the window. Hannah was across from me, and Leslie beside me. The spots filled up quickly and we were soon submersed in conversation with a few of the sophomores. They talked about last years memories and disasters, making us wish we had been there for the competition in which it had rained all day, so the field was basically a mud pit. One that more then one victim had lost a shoe in. I hoped that this year would be just as fun.
After dinner, we had a few minutes to run up to our room to put our instruments together before we had to rush back down to get in block. This time when we were called to attention, we moved. Mr. Williams gave us the forward march command and we were off to the field. We stopped traffic as we marched down the street, finally stopping at parade rest. It was time for our first practice at band camp.
The first thing we did was fundamental block. The skills we had learned last week at freshmen band camp were tested to their utmost limit. I had thought they were easy, but soon found out it wasn't so. We added slides, and backwards marching, both of which confused me to death at first. I got the hang of it quickly enough but that first session was grueling and left me feeling as if my arms were about to fall off. It was growing dark, so we congregated by a nearby street light. We got into our concert arcs, and played through the show music. I hadn't touched my music before the Tuesday practice, and was absolutely confused about what I was supposed to be playing. As soon as I heard the music though it made sense. I've never been a sight reader, but once I hear it, I'll do fine.
We finished our music, and were congratulated on our work thus far. Tomorrow though, was to be much harder and more complicated. At least now, it was time for bed. Canteen was offered in the large building across the street, so we all filed in to get our drink and candy bar before bed. As I was walking through the lobby I spied a TV, my favorite show ever Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on. Drawn like a magnet, I sat down on the couch to eat and enjoy my show. The coke machine was right next to the area where I was watching television, so random people came and introduced themselves while getting a drink. Three of these girls, were drawn like I was to the TV, as they to were avid Buffy watchers. They introduced themselves as Denise, Tori, and Lisa, all of whom were in my section. We talked about different things, until it was 5 minutes before 10, and forced to go upstairs for lights out.
I was still alone, but that didn't bother me. In fact, I much preferred it. I put on my pajamas, and crawled into bed with my headphones on. So ended my first day of band camp. Tomorrow was to be a very eventful day indeed.