High school students march to a summer tune
- Marching to the beat of their own drum each summer, local high school students gear up for a tradition that’s music to their ears: band camp. Six students from Broken Bow - Zak Crawford, Trinity Erickson, Tallen Harrold, Asher Jensen, Brock Oeltjen and Maddie Royle - attended camp alongside Josie Reiff from Callaway. For many years now, young musicians from various schools have come together at this time of year to better their skills and perfect their craft.
Summer band camps are places for focus on an instrument and the skills needed to excel as a performer. From early morning rehearsals to late-night jam sessions, they live and breathe music throughout their time at camp. The days are long and tiring, but there is no shortage of enthusiasm among these dedicated students. Tallen Harrold said, “We learned to never settle. Even if it looks perfect, it’s not. There is always stuff to improve and build on.” The experience gained during band camp is important as it teaches teamwork, discipline and perseverance which are all qualities that will serve students well both on and off the stage.
Band camp is not just about playing instruments and learning new marching routines. It’s also an opportunity for students to form lasting friendships and develop important life skills. Josie Reiff said, “My friends and I made up a fake show and told people they should come and watch it.”
Spending long hours rehearsing and performing together can create a bond that lasts beyond the end of camp. These connections between students not only provide support and encouragement during their time at camp, but also creates a sense of community within the band program.
As camp comes to a close, students packed up their instruments and said goodbye to new friends. The memories these students made at band camp will stay with them as they continue along their journeys. Marching to the beat of their own drum has never been more fulfilling for these talented local students.