FHS musicians work hard at band camp

While most high school students were sleeping in, playing video games or heading to the beach, the Fremont High School Band headed for band camp.

The band members boarded the bus on Monday, July 14 at 8 a.m., and headed for Andrews University in Berrien Springs for a week of intensive rehearsals to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Upon arrival in Berrien Springs, the musicians formed a long line from the truck to the dormitory and passed the luggage, instruments and equipment from the truck into the dorm.

After having a short time to unpack, the students headed for a music rehearsal, where they were introduced to the music for this year's marching band show. This is the show seen at the Packer football games and at competitions in the area.

Days included breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by rehearsal at 8 a.m. on the football field. There, students learned the drill and then meshed it with the music. Drill is the movement each band member learns to make the formations that the crowd sees from the stands. The band members keep small notebooks tied around their necks with shoelaces; notes are made in the books so the students can recall the exact locations they start and end during each formation. This year's show has more than 40 pages of drill. The extreme heat made planned water breaks even more important. Band director Mark Breza strongly encouraged the band members to wear hats and use sunscreen.

After lunch, the band headed for music rehearsals in another university building. They rehearsed as a large group and in sections. Locals Katie Hoffman, Thad Hofheinz and Erica Lue worked with the instrumentalists, while the flags were led by Central Michigan student Christina Orefice.

After dinner was yet another field rehearsal until 9:30 p.m. Snacks were served after rehearsal, followed closely by bedtime.

Meals were served by band mothers Brenda Scott and Shaunna Baker. The need to save money inspired the mothers to make meals for the 37 students and seven adults rather than use the university's cafeteria, saving nearly 40 percent over previous years. Crockpots and electric roasters were used to cook for the hungry crew.

Even after hot, demanding rehearsals, the band students offered help to clean up and carry food up and down the dorm stairs.

Breza said that this year's band camp was notable for the great attitude of the students, who were willing to work hard as a group. On the football field, they were heard to cheer when told that they would have to repeat songs or formations again.

The Fremont band has appeared in two parades this summer. Band members marched in the Muskegon Summer Celebration parade and in the National Baby Food Festival parade.

"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is the theme for this year's show, opening with a theme from "The Godfather." The show also includes the songs "Funiculi,Funicula," "That's Amore" and "Hernando's Hideaway." The premier of this show will be at the varsity football game against Spring Lake on Sept. 5.