Tomorrow begins our first week of band camp. These 2 weeks of intensive instruction are crucial for our season as we get started learning music and drill for our half-time show. We will have a lot of fun, but also put in a lot of work! We will start on Monday at 8:00AM in the Band Room for a quick welcome session before moving to the SAC. Tuesday-Friday we will start in the SA

Week 1 Typical Itinerary:
8:00AM – 11:00AM In the SAC for Marching Fundamentals/Drill
11:00AM – 12:00PM Lunch in the Cafeteria
12:00PM – 3:00PM Sectionals
3:00PM – 5:00PM Full Band in the MAC

Week at a Glance • CHS Announcements

• Monday: Band Camp Day 1 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM
• Tuesday: Band Camp Day 2 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM
• Wednesday: Band Camp Day 3 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Submit your RSVP for Friday’s Pool Party – it’s due Wednesday
• Thursday: Band Camp Day 4 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM
  • TEAM PHOTOS • 5:30PM – 8:00PM • Students stay until their photos are finished
• Friday: Band Camp Day 5 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Band Pool Party • Lakeshore Pool • 6:00PM – 9:00PM • RSVP HERE • You need a ride there
• Sunday: Final Option for Senior Family Photos for the Football Program • Sign Up Here • More Info Below
  • 2:00PM – 6:00PM • First Come, First Served

Band Camp Starts on July 15 • Are you drinking water?

Band Camp begins Monday July 15 at 8:00AM in the band room. Both weeks are Mandatory for all students. Here are some important things to consider to help you survive band camp more comfortably.

HOW TO SURVIVE BAND CAMP

Continue to drink water – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – every day. A good rule of thumb is to drink your body weight in ounces of water per day and to check for clear urination. The information below was created by former Trojan Booster President, Michael Post.  The information is still very helpful!

• Be prepared. Make sure to have water, instrument, pencil, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
• Early is on time.  Always arrive a few minutes early. Remember that you need time to gather your things and get to the practice area. (We will start at 8:00AM tomorrow morning in the band room).
• Try your hardest. Band camp will go a lot smoother if you make a decent effort at marching and playing your instrument.
• Be optimistic and don’t complain. Complaining or bellyaching is extremely annoying to everyone and ultimately unhelpful.
• Make friends. Get to know your classmates, your section, whoever is sitting or standing next to you in the formation. You have band and music in common already, but do not talk when you’re are setting up formations or going over your music.
• Learn the show. Now is the time to practice. Practice as you would like to perform- learn your formations, music, rhythms, etc.
• Take care of yourself. You’ll perform better and feel better if you take care of your body. Marching band is a sport!
  • Stretch. Marching band can be demanding during the summer, stretch as you would in preparation for any other strenuous activity.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat. That sunburn won’t feel good tomorrow, and it’ll spare you sock tans, glove tans, and drum harness tans (somewhat). Remember to reapply every 2 hours or so.
  • Wear chapstick that protects against the sun. Sunburned lips are not fun to play an instrument with, especially for brass players.
  • Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from UV rays and block annoying glare.
  • Drink plenty of water. This means water and/or Gatorade/Powerade. Soda and juice will dehydrate you. Avoid drinking milk or eating dairy products. The heat will cause it to curdle in your stomach and make you nauseous.
    • Remember to start hydrating in the days leading up to band camp too. This preparation is very important.
  • Eat healthy foods! Don’t just eat a pop-tart for breakfast on your way out the door; marching a lot is a very physical activity, especially if it’s for the entire day. Also, remember to eat a healthy lunch. Fried foods aren’t good for you anyway, but if you eat unhealthy fast food, you will regret it later.
  • Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable, athletic shoes. Dress appropriately for the weather and being on your feet for long periods of time.
  • Smell good. No one likes a smelly band person. Deodorant helps and should be available in case you need a quick refresh.
• Learn how to wear your uniform and try it on. This way you can avoid disasters before an actual show at a competition. Minutes before your first show is not the time to learn the intricacies of tying your citation cord, discover that your pants are too short or too long, or learn that nobody ever issued you a plume.  We will be fitting for uniforms on Monday and Tuesday, so you will have a chance to do this.
• Care for your instrument.
  • Insert the brass mouthpiece or woodwind part firmly enough that it doesn’t fly out when snapped up and down.
  • Avoid getting a woodwind wet, especially the pads. If your instrument does get wet, use your cleaning cloth to dry it after practice.
  • Oil your valves or slide before practice. It’s much harder from mid-field.
  • Learn the proper way to set your instrument down: not on its keys or delicate valves. If you must set your instrument on the ground, set it with the others from your section, it might help save them from a careless foot.
• Get some rest. Band camp can be strenuous, and it’s easier if you’re well rested.
• Be respectful and courteous towards band directors and assistants. Often they are busy or stressed, so be understanding.
• Remember that everyone is at band camp to learn. If you’re a newcomer, don’t take it personally when an instructor gives advice. Remember, they’re trying to help you look better in performance. If you’re a returning member, help out newcomers and be patient with them. You were a rookie once, and if you model how to take correction with a great attitude then our rookies will learn that correction is how we all get better.
• Have fun! At first, band camp may feel completely insane. However, nothing can compare to the feeling of marching your field show at halftime with all of your friends. You’re going to make tons of friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Woodwinds and brass should not play their instrument after eating or drinking sugary stuff (like Gatorade and Powerade). It’s fine to have a snack during breaks, just make sure to wash it down with water.
• Never handle or play somebody else’s instrument. You will be held accountable if it gets damaged.
• If you are given a drill sheet/card with your formations on it or music do not lose it.
• Respect upperclassmen, they have experience and chances are they do know what they are talking about.
• Many people can overheat during band camp if it’s hot outside. If you start to feel fatigued, dizzy, nausea, you may be suffering from heat exhaustion. Tell a section leader, drum major, or staff member immediately. Get to some shade and get some water if you think this is happening to you.
• Don’t talk when the band director, staff, drum majors, or section leaders are talking. This will distract people around you from what they’re saying, which could be very important. If you need help finding your drill spot, quietly raise your hand and someone will gladly help you. Since we are working with over 200 students marching Band is military-esque. When the director is speaking, you do not. When you need to snap to attention, you snap. Take it seriously, many skills that you learn in this activity can be applied to everyday life!

I hope you find this article helpful as you prepare for this year’s band camps. Remember if you have any specific questions about either band camp, you can contact Mr. Carr at christopher.carr@carrolltoncityschools.net or the Band Boosters at chstrojanbands@gmail.com.

July 15 – 19 • 8:00AM – 5:00PM • Week 1

During this first week of band camp we will work on marching fundamentals and learning drill in the mornings from 8:00AM – 11:00AM, Lunch until 12:00PM, then work on the show music/choreography in sectionals until 3:00PM. From 3:00PM – 5:00PM we will put the music together in full ensemble. On Friday of the first week of band camp it always seems to rain! Be sure to bring a change of clothes to rehearsal on Friday in case it rains. We will be outside on the band field for a portion of our morning block to help us acclimate to the heat a little better. Start the day with clothes/shoes that you do not mind getting wet in case it rains.

Breakfast and lunch will be available this week through the school, free of charge. Students may choose to eat breakfast at home or bring their own lunch if they decide not to each the school meals. Students are not permitted to leave campus until after camp each day. Thank you so much to our school system’s nutrition department and our booster club for organizing these meals for our students!

Meals for July 15-19

Thank you so much for Laura Malmquist and Deyonca Dozier for coordinating the meals along with our booster club! These menus are currently tentative and are subject to change.

Breakfast: Includes fruit, juice, and milk in addition to a selection from a mixture of items that might include: Cinnamon Rolls, Poptarts, Blueberry Muffins, Cereal Bars w/Blueberry Grandma Cookies, Honey Buns, Snack n Waffles, Mini Powdered Donuts, and Nutrigrain Bars.

Each day we will get out at 5:00 but have 2 days this week that have extra activities after 5:00PM.

• Thursday, July 18 • Band Photos • 5:30PM – 8:00PM
  • Full Band photo, section photos, senior headshots for banners
• Friday, July 19 • Band Pool Party • Lakeshore Pool • 6:00PM – 9:00PM
  • Free of charge, pizza included • Students will need their own transportation to the pool party • RSVP HERE so that we know how much pizza to order. Please RSVP by Wednesday afternoon.

Volunteers Needed for Band Camp

Thank you so much for helping us with camp! We need help with meals. We could use your help serving the meals and we have a few items that we could use donated if you’re willing to do that. Please follow the links for more information: Volunteer Here • Donations Needed.

July 22 -26 • 8:00AM – 9:00PM • Week 2

Both weeks of camp are mandatory and important, but this is an extra special week because we will be joined by specialists to assist with instrument specific sectionals to assist our students in learning and memorizing our music a little faster this week as we finalize preparations for our first performance, Trojan Family Night on July 26. Please RSVP Here.

The section leaders have designated the following spirit days for band camp. We encourage our students to participate in the spirit days to increase relationship building and create memories together during this important week of our season.

MEALS

Our booster club feeds our students again during the 2nd week of band camp, with some assistance from our nutrition program. We are blessed by the outstanding support of our parents and school system! Again, students may bring their own meals if they prefer not to eat what is provided, but students are not allowed to exit campus for meals. Thank you so much for Laura Malmquist and Deyonca Dozier for coordinating the meals along with our booster club! These menus are currently tentative and are subject to change.

Breakfast: Includes fruit, juice, and milk in addition to a selection from a mixture of items that might include: Cinnamon Rolls, Poptarts, Blueberry Muffins, Cereal Bars w/Blueberry Grandma Cookies, Honey Buns, Snack n Waffles, Mini Powdered Donuts, and Nutrigrain Bars.

Preview Performance • Trojan Night

We will have our first public performance at Trojan Night on July 26, 2024. This is a free event and open to the public. The booster club is preparing dinner for all who would like to attend. Please RSVP by July 19 so that we know how much food to prepare.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT • GMEA

Last spring, Dr. Carr submitted our Wind Ensemble’s Large Group Performance Evaluation performance recording to be considered as a featured ensemble at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference. We are excited to share that our Wind Ensemble was invited to perform as one of only three high school bands. This is the highest honor that a high school concert band can receive in the state of Georgia. Although the event is not competitive, the process to be selected is very competitive. This is the closest thing that bands have to a “state championship.”  Although our band was featured at Troy University in 2018, this is Carrollton High School’s first invitation to perform at the state conference.  The concert will be an event of the GMEA In-Service Conference, but it will also free and open to our community. We are thrilled for the opportunity and hope that you will save the date to attend and cheer on our students while they represent our community in Athens!

The best times to bring in donations if you want to this week are Thursday before the cook-out of Saturday during the clean-up day. Next week, donations could be brought in on July 3 during the rehearsal. We will accept donations throughout the weeks of band camp as well as throughout the season. We really appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone hydrated!

Class of 2025 • Football Program Photos

Mr. Carmichael will be taking photos of seniors with their immediate families in the SAC Gym on July 14 or July 21. Please sign up for your photo by using this link. Mr. Carmichael has only set up these 2 dates. If you need a different date, we need to contact Mr. Carmichael ASAP. Please note that he will charge a sitting fee if you need a different date.

Seniors wear your marching band uniform and immediate family members should wear something nice in school colors. This photo will be featured in the 2024 Football program.

Senior head shots for banners will be taken with our team photos on July 18 at 6:00PM after camp that day. Students will have an hour to freshen up and get into uniforms before we start our photos. We will take our team photo, section photos, and then Senior Headshots.

Uniform Sizing Days

Thank you to Sarah Bush for organizing a team to assist us with uniform fittings. The following dates have been set aside to size all of our students before camp and in time for our team photos.

These are the last dates available. If you are a vet and missed your dates in June, it’s ok to sign up for one of these times.

New Member Uniform Fittings • July 8 and July 10 from 10:00am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 3:00pm • Click Here
You may have to scroll to July 8 or July 10 after following the link to find the appointment links. You’ll notice most dates crossed off, but July 8 and 10 should be available to click on, then select your time. Vets, if the other dates did not work for you, please sign up for July 10.

Band Handbook • Payment 2 & Forms OVERDUE

• Download the 2024-2025 Band Handbook Here
• Third and final payment is on July 15, 2024 • Wind & Percussion: $100 & Guard: $150* • Pay Here
• Forms were due by May 17 • These have to be turned in by July 15 to participate in Band Camp
  • BEHAVIOR CONTRACT/Commitment and Consent Form
  • MEDICAL RELEASE FORM
  • TRIP RELEASE FORM
  • STUDENT CONTACT INFORMATION
  • RELEASE, WAIVER, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM 

Stay Connected • Have you signed up to be in the LOOP?

Health in Band • Edgenuity

Students should be working daily to complete their health requirement and only have until July 26 to get it all completed. At this point, student should be approximately 35% complete with the course. Edgenuity has a pacing function and will show the progress bar in RED if your child has not been completing enough of the course. If your child is on pace then the completion percentage should show in GREEN. If you are unable to access the course, please send Dr. Carr an email so that he can assist you in accessing the course. Remember, in addition to completing the eADAP course through the GA DDS, students must complete the class in Edgenuity to receive credit for Health.

How to log into Edgenuity:

1. Visit: www.clever.com/in/Trojans and LOG IN, using your school login information. 
2. Click on Imagine Edgenuity, it has a purple icon

Complete your class titled: *2024 Healthy Living/Summer Health

ALL COURSEWORK MUST BE COMPLETED by FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024

CutTime

We are very close to completely transitioning over to CutTime. Once we transition each member’s guardian will receive a text message from the database. In this text message will be a MAGIC LINK. Each link is specific per guardian and should not be shared. The link will allow you to access your students account. In the account you will be able to access an itemized report of your band account, the schedule, and more. Once you receive this link, save it and keep it handy.

Upcoming Events • Download and Share on Social Media

These are the larger events throughout the year. Please mark your calendars, but also please download and share on social media as we get closer to the event to help us advertise. Thank you for spreading the word!

Upcoming Dates

July

• 8 • New Member Uniform Fitting • Book an appointment
• 10 • New Member Uniform Fitting • Book an appointment* All Vets who haven’t been fitted can also book here
• 15 – 19 • Band Camp Week 1 • 8:00am – 5:00pm • Volunteer Here • Donations Needed
• 19 • Band Pool Party • Lakeshore Pool • 6:00pm – 9:00pm • FREE Admission • RSVP HERE• Transportation required
• 22 – 26 • Band Camp Week 2 • 8:00am – 9:00pm • Volunteer Here
• 26 • Trojan Night • Volunteer Here • RSVP Here
• 27 • Leadership Outing • DCI Atlanta • $40 due by May 24, 2024
• 29 • Full Band Rehearsal • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• 30 • Full Band Rehearsal • 6:00pm – 9:00pm

August

• 1 • Full Band Rehearsal • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• 5 • Full Band Rehearsal • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• 6 • Full Band Rehearsal • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• 8 • Full Band Rehearsal • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• 20 • DCI Championship Viewing Party • Band Room • More Details to Follow
• 12 • First Day of School Year 2024 – 2025 • Regular Weekly Rehearsals Begin
• REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULE
  • Monday: Full Band 3:45pm – 6:15pm
  • Tuesday: Full Band 3:45pm – 6:15pm
  • Thursday: Full Band 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• 16 • Away vs. Woodward Academy • 7:30pm • Volunteer Here
• 22 • Home Game Concession Pre-Order • 5:00pm – 5:45pm • Volunteer Here
• 23 • Home Opener vs. Columbia • 7:30pm • Volunteer Here
• 29 • Home Game Concession Pre-Order • 5:00pm – 5:45pm • Volunteer Here
• 30 • Home vs. Rome • 7:30pm • Volunteer Here