Band and drum corps students are busier than ever. Day after day is filled to the brim with classes, work, rehearsal, homework, lessons, and more. As the Spring season quickly approaches, it’s quickly becoming time to add physical fitness and preparation to the calendar. I was recently posed this question by a member of the … Read more
WGI weekends are full of travel, excitement, amazing performances….and less than amazing food options! Eating greasy concessions and fast food, and snacking on vending machine treats can leave us feeling weighed down and exhausted–absolutely not what we want when trying to rock our show! Here are 3 ways to eat your best on a WGI … Read more
Most of us have probably heard of, had, or know someone that has had shin splints but what exactly are shin splints? More importantly, how do we deal with shin splints – especially in the marching arts setting where we may not have time to sit out for a few days and rest? These are … Read more
It’s that time of the year – WGI season is starting!! As you’re leaving your audition camp you quickly realize how intense WGI can be-and how you need to start working on getting in shape immediately. Maybe you’ve come to the conclusion that running for 30 minutes straight just isn’t your thing, but you do … Read more
Ever notice the members of your band staring off into space or talking to friends when they’re supposed to be warming-up? As much as we hate to admit it, sometimes our warm-up routines can be a bit boring. Warm-ups are meant to build your energy levels – not suck the life out of you. Band … Read more
Does your stomach feel like it’s churning in knots or eating itself following an after school rehearsal or weekend competition? Fortunately, you are probably just hungry after expending so much energy! Believe it or not, you stomach is always moving to break down food in order to use its multiple energy forms. When eating within … Read more
Did you get home two weeks ago, step on the scale and realize you lost weight this summer – a SCARY amount of weight?? Many of us on tour lose weight, but some of us lose a significant amount of weight. Those of us who do reach this incredibly low weight tend to try to … Read more
Ever feel tired, lightheaded, or sick to your stomach during rehearsal? Believe it or not, you may just be dehydrated! Dehydration is one of the biggest problems we face during the summer months. If left untreated, members may experience heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, one of the top causes of death in high school … Read more
“Go run!” “Get with a partner and stretch.” “If you messed up that rep you should be doing PUSH-UPS!!” Do these phrases bring back painful band camp memories of brutal amounts of running and pointless stretches? These concepts have been repeated since groups still marched timpani and the American Legion was a primary sponsor of … Read more
The Bus Box, possibly the most important square foot of personal space you will have this summer, must be packed with purpose and care. This box will contain the high-value snacks that become part of your pre-show rituals. Like professional athletes, what you put in your body before your performance will play a role in … Read more
