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Blue Springs, MO —
Graham Leavell knows it is hot outside. But that is not stopping him and the rest of the Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment Marching Band from rehearsing.
“I love the atmosphere of band camp,” said the junior alto saxophone player. “There is a lot of energy in the air, and it is a great place. We take frequent water breaks, but it feels really good to be with a great group of people, making ourselves better.”
The Golden Regiment started its band camp in July with a 10-day session. After a week break, camp resumed on Monday and continues throughout the week. They are not alone in their preparation for the upcoming marching band season. Other area high schools are holding similar camps leading up to the first day of school.
“This really helps us to set the foundation for the entire year. And not just for marching band, but for concert band, jazz band and pep bands too,” said Tim Allshouse, director of bands at Blue Springs High School. “We try to make this process fun and enjoyable for everyone. The awards will come and go, but it is the memories that will last forever.”
In addition to the football game performances and handful of competitions that the Golden Regiment will participate in this year, there is a trip to Hawaii in November. The competition schedule includes two national events – one in Indianapolis and the other in Atlanta.
“Every year there are huge events, so we approach every one in the same way,” Allshouse said. “This camp isn’t just about marching and music, but also about learning what it means to be a member of the Golden Regiment.”
Allshouse refers to this process as “Golden Regiment culture.” Each day, both new and veteran members of the band learn about the band and what it means to participate in the organization. Camp ends Friday with the annual midnight rehearsal. Students will rehearse from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, with a midnight celebration to mark the end of camp and to welcome new members.
“Golden Regiment culture is about the new members learning our expectations and what they need to do as members,” Allshouse said. “The midnight rehearsal is just a fun tradition for the whole group.”
Christian Spinler, a senior mellophone player, said he looks forward to spending time with his friends and improving his music and marching fundamentals. He said as his last high school band camp draws to a close, there are many things he will miss.
“I will miss all the time spent with everyone after school, at games and on the bus to competitions,” he said. “We have all become so close and have been working hard together to achieve a goal. It will be hard to leave all that behind.”
Graham Leavell knows it is hot outside. But that is not stopping him and the rest of the Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment Marching Band from rehearsing.
“I love the atmosphere of band camp,” said the junior alto saxophone player. “There is a lot of energy in the air, and it is a great place. We take frequent water breaks, but it feels really good to be with a great group of people, making ourselves better.”
The Golden Regiment started its band camp in July with a 10-day session. After a week break, camp resumed on Monday and continues throughout the week. They are not alone in their preparation for the upcoming marching band season. Other area high schools are holding similar camps leading up to the first day of school.
“This really helps us to set the foundation for the entire year. And not just for marching band, but for concert band, jazz band and pep bands too,” said Tim Allshouse, director of bands at Blue Springs High School. “We try to make this process fun and enjoyable for everyone. The awards will come and go, but it is the memories that will last forever.”
In addition to the football game performances and handful of competitions that the Golden Regiment will participate in this year, there is a trip to Hawaii in November. The competition schedule includes two national events – one in Indianapolis and the other in Atlanta.
“Every year there are huge events, so we approach every one in the same way,” Allshouse said. “This camp isn’t just about marching and music, but also about learning what it means to be a member of the Golden Regiment.”
Allshouse refers to this process as “Golden Regiment culture.” Each day, both new and veteran members of the band learn about the band and what it means to participate in the organization. Camp ends Friday with the annual midnight rehearsal. Students will rehearse from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, with a midnight celebration to mark the end of camp and to welcome new members.
“Golden Regiment culture is about the new members learning our expectations and what they need to do as members,” Allshouse said. “The midnight rehearsal is just a fun tradition for the whole group.”
Christian Spinler, a senior mellophone player, said he looks forward to spending time with his friends and improving his music and marching fundamentals. He said as his last high school band camp draws to a close, there are many things he will miss.
“I will miss all the time spent with everyone after school, at games and on the bus to competitions,” he said. “We have all become so close and have been working hard together to achieve a goal. It will be hard to leave all that behind.”
