Summer Band FAQ!

Good afternoon, everyone! We are absolutely thrilled that summer band for new members begins tomorrow! We've received a few emails with similar questions, so we're trying to create a little FAQ regarding summer band:

• What is summer band?
  • Summer band is where we get the vast majority of our early work done prior to the school year starting. We start with incoming freshman and new members to the program on July 26, then everyone joins us on Monday, July 30. One day of rehearsal during summer band is equal to a week's worth of after school rehearsals during the school year, so every rehearsal is absolutely mandatory.
• Where can I find the dates/times of all band rehearsals/events (including anything summer-band related)?
  • The McNeil HS Band calendar is both on Charms and also on the band website. You can easily add the band calendar to your mobile device via the band website. When in doubt, consult the calendar.
• Where do we start each morning?
  • We'll always start in the band hall. Students can be dropped off by the cafeteria/main entrance to the school. Students driving themselves can park in the PAC parking lot or behind the A Wing.
• What do I need to bring for summer band?
  • WATER!
  • Athletic clothes (shorts and lightweight shirts)
  • Athletic shoes (no Vans, Converse, Chacos, etc.)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses! 
  • WATER!
  • Marching instrument (starting bringing concert instruments on July 30)
  • Music (show music is on Charms to download and print)
  • Cooling towel (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Lunch (and dinner for the 8 AM - 8 PM rehearsal days)
  • WATER!
  • Instrument maintenance supplies (valve oil, cork grease, reeds, etc.)
  • Deodorant (no spray products or perfume!)
  • Hat (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Pencils (multiple!)
  • WATER!
  • A great attitude! :D
• When should I be ready for rehearsal?
  • Always leave early and give yourself some extra time to make sure you can be ready for the rehearsal start time. McNeil is still under pretty heavy construction, so plan on giving yourself enough time to not only arrive, but walk to the band hall, assemble your instrument, etc.
• Is there a band carpool?
  • Yes! We have a band carpool sign up located here (Carpool Sign-Up). We highly encourage you to take advantage of this, especially since the campus is so congested. If you only need to drive one or two days to rehearsal (instead of five), everyone should be in and out more quickly than in years past. Please consider carpooling this year, especially if you have not in the past! The list of sign-ups is located here (Carpool List). We will be sending out the password to the Carpool List via email.
• What does the day look like?
  • We will be outside in the morning, before the temperature gets too hot. After a few hours outside, we come inside, eat lunch, and do music rehearsal indoors. For days with three rehearsal blocks (until 8 PM), we will break for dinner after our indoor music rehearsal, then go back outside for our final rehearsal block.
• How can I fuel myself for rehearsal?
  • Eat a smart, healthy, and light breakfast (bagel, waffles, a few eggs, granola bar, toast, etc.) but avoid dairy. Having milk combined with the activity and heat almost always results in a sick student.