Band Camp Email #1 – July 3rd
Hello Marching Thunder!
I can’t tell you how pumped the staff and I are for the upcoming season, semester, and year! You have chosen to be a part of a special Herd here at Marshall University. The Marching Thunder is the largest, most committed, and greatest student organization on campus. There are so many great things happening with the Marching Thunder, the School of Music, and the College of Arts & Media! In addition, Marshall University continues to be on the rise in so many different areas, and you get to be apart of it all!
This year’s Marching Thunder band camp is slowly approaching, and I wanted to get you the information that you need. Band camp officially begins on Aug. 8th at 2pm! In this email, I have provided vital information and several links for your convenience. Here is a checklist featuring items that need to be completed between now and the start of camp. I’ll add more to this checklist as the summer progresses and I will send another email with more information, so please be sure to start checking those items off the list (see below).
Early Move-in
Everyone living on campus must register with housing to move in early by using this link here. They know that we have band camp and they are prepared for you to move-in during our block, which is Aug. 8th from 9am to 12pm. If it takes you just a little longer, that’s fine, band camp doesn’t officially begin until 2pm, but we have some official band camp business to take care of between 12 and 2 as well (plus, you’ll want to get lunch).
We cover the cost of your housing for the early move-in. You will be placed into the dorm in which you’ll be assigned for the year, so you will not have to move. You’ll be able to get situated and comfortable long before your roommates arrive (if you have any).
Apps for Your Mobile Device
Many of you will be familiar with these, but some apps are new, so please be sure to have them downloaded onto your device before band camp. The one app, you must have on your phone sooner than later is Healthy Roster (linked on the check list). There is more information about this app in the “Medical Information” section.
Needed apps include:
- UDBpro (all members)
- This app is for learning drill and attendance at all events.
- Flare (all members)
- This app is for communications.
- Beam (musicians)
- This app is for music reading, rehearsal, and some performances
- Healthy Roster (all members)
- This app is to be sure we have all the necessary medical information this year.
Physical Trainer and Medical Information
The Marching Thunder’s own professional physical trainer, Emily Lewis, is with us again all season. She has a wealth of experience in the marching arts from a medical stand point, as she is often on tour with Bluecoats. You’ll have full access to everything she provides and you’ll be contacted by her from time to time regarding health related tips, prep for band camp, medical information, and more.
Please go to this link and answer the 3-question form (name, date of birth, and Marshall email address). This is the first step toward getting your medical information turned in. In a couple weeks, you’ll receive an email from Healthy Roster asking you to set up your account. You’ll need to do this to provide additional information via the secure app. Your medical information is only seen by me (if necessary) and Emily, and it is for emergency use only.
You all need to schedule an appointment with your family doctor to get a sports physical. We will need documentation for this to be submitted in via the Healthy Roster app after you set up your account. Please be sure to do this sooner than later.
Register for MUS 466
Everyone must be registered for the course by the time classes begin. This is so that you can travel with us and we have you officially on the roster. Contact your advisor if you have not already done this. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
What to expect for band camp!
Band camp with the Marching Thunder is not very different from what you may have experienced in the past. The differences might be found in some of the following areas:
- We like to have a great time.
- We try to be efficient and focused during rehearsal.
- We are aware of the many backgrounds with the MT.
- We have slightly different techniques and processes.
- We find time to be silly.
- We utilize several mobile device apps.
- We have fun.
- We run on time.
- We work to always improve and be the best we can be.
Also, did I mention that we like to have a great time. If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing. In addition, we insist everyone to be sure they have the following:
- Water jug for breaks – We do provide water, but not cups. Have your own drink container.
- Sunscreen – I hope this is obvious. Please be smart.
- Hat and/or sunglass – I know that sometimes hats can trap in heat around our heads, but there are hats that can help alleviate this issue. We want you protected from the sun as much as possible.
- Shorts – PLEASE, do not wear pants. Unless it is below 70º, you don’t want to be in pants. You have to be able to move appropriately for the activity.
- Athletic shoes/sneakers – This is important to the health of your ankles, needs, hips, and joints. No sandals, slippers, Crocs, boat shoes, Hey Dudes, or anything else similar. Your shoes much have laces, straps, etc.
More Information to Come:
In a about two weeks, I’ll be sending the band camp itinerary so that you have a better idea of what to expect before you get here. When you see the itinerary, it might seem like a lot, but we try to stay on schedule and there is plenty of time for meals, socializing, familiarizing yourself with campus, and making friends with 200 others before classes begin. In addition to the itinerary, you’ll receive information about the following in the next email:
- Official band camp check-in link, which you can do early and needs to be done prior to the start of camp, which is at 2pm on Aug. 8th.
- Band camp fee information and payment link
- Meal information for band camp and football season.
- This season’s performance schedule.
- Other performance opportunities.
Thank you so much for reading this far and taking the initiative to stay informed! This will lead to great successes for you and the Marching Thunder.
I look forward to officially meeting you and working with you.
Go Herd!