Rest up...and Go Outside!

The heat is on and that can't be denied. Band camps starts this Monday for some and in a week's time, all will report. We will have to deal with the heat. My band is in a situation not of our choice too. We rehearse on asphalt. About 20 years ago, this became the norm for many bands. Space at many school is limited so why not use a parking lot that is gridded as a football field for band rehearsal. It seems like a good thing in many way. It is certainly cheaper and easier. No cutting grass or repainting lines every week. Also, the rain does cause mud. But the heat...this is the issue in the summer. Honestly in the morning, a grass field is hotter due to the night time moisture evaporating, but that asphalt gets us back at about 10:30 in the morning.

So how do we work in these conditions? First, we are careful to have plenty of water on hand. It is not uncommon for 100 students to go through 50 gallons of water during a rehearsal session. Also, if a heat advisory is posted by the National Weather Service, we stay inside. It is just common sense. A typical band camps day works like this: 8 - 12 noon we are outside setting drill, 12:00 - 12:45 is lunch, 12:45 - 3:00 p.m. we are inside working on music, and then the fun part 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. we are back outside. Why even go outside in the afternoon you may ask. Well we just need the time for one thing, but also we must get acclimated to the heat. The human body can become acclimated to heat but not all at once. It is a gradual thing and band camp is a great time to do this. Our after school rehearsals often take place in the hottest part of the day. For us to be competitive, we must learn to deal with the heat.

Here are some helpful hints for dealing with the heat:

1. Drink plenty of water BEFORE you go outside to work. Once you are thirsty, it is too late. You are probably already dehydrated.

2. Wear a hat.

3. Eat foods that are easy to digest like pasta and breads. Fruits are good too. Try to stay away from milk products. (Chili might be a bad idea too.)

4. No soda! I even think sugary sports drinks can hurt while working. Water is the best.

5. Go outside and get use to the heat before band camp. Just take a walk and sweat some.

6. Pay attention. If you are sweating, that is good. If you stop...well that is really bad. If you see spots, that is also bad.

7. Wear sunscreen and lots of it! Band camp is no place or time to work on your tan.

We will have lots of fun and will get a lot accomplished but we will be careful too.