That's right, tomorrow begins the two-week-torture that determines if you have what it takes to be called a band member.  Everybody goes...nobody escapes. 

From 8-12 and 2-4, the wide-eyed rookies,  punk-rock percussion, and still-haven't-recovered-from-summer-camp auxillaries will gather at the place where all bandos go, the heart of the very existence of the band program...the band room.  There we will go our seperate ways to be shaped and molded into the finest specimen of band members.  The kind of people who are proud to stand up and say "I am in the band!" 

Starting Thursday, the veterans of the band program (the old guys) will convene with us and shape what will become...

the half-time show. 

This year, our music consists of selections widely known as "Motown." 

The opener is a lovely arrangement of "I Want You Back", recorded by the Jackson 5. 

The booty-shaking Danceline Feature will be to, what else?  Respect, derived from Aretha Franklin's top hit. 

We don't have a drum solo yet....it's Elba.

Finally, we're closing our show with a wonderful arrangement of the much loved song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

It is at this time when we will extend our schedule, not only mornings and afternoons, but also evening practices from 6-8.  This is it...this is where it all begins.  You either show up ready to work...or go home (because that's generally how things work anyway).

The field is prepped (probably not...it's Elba),

The instruments are tuned (probably not...it's Elba),

The show is written (probably not...it's Elba),

Are you ready.....for Band Camp?

*Yeah, sorry guys...I just felt an overwhelming urge to be extremely sarcastic.  I gave in, and this was the product.  Hope y'all enjoyed it.  But band camp does begin tomorrow.*

I'm gonna go get some sleep.  I'll get to see most of y'all tomorrow!  Hope y'all are ready...

--Whitley

p.s.  Just a warning:  Don't talk to me before coffee...I'll probably make fun of you and hurt your feelings....you have been warned.