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Marching band is NOT easy. Extreme heat, violent sun rays, long rehearsals, and occasional unrealistic expectations make it a challenging activity.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked with thousands of students, from complete beginners to world champions, and I have seen too many students fail and struggle simply because they were not prepared for rehearsal.
Today, I'm sharing 10 items that you absolutely need to have with you at rehearsal. These essentials will help you achieve success on the field and avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety. The last item on this list is one you wouldn't expect but is probably the most important of them all!
1. A Hat
A hat will keep your head and face cool while protecting your brain from frying like an egg in the sun. Heat injuries like dehydration, dizziness, and feeling lightheaded can occur when your head overheats. To avoid this, use a hat with a lighter color to reflect the heat.
2. Sunglasses
While you won’t stare directly into the sun, the sun rays will reflect off of the turf, grass, bleachers, and the mischievous quads. These rays are harsh on your eyes and can lead to headaches and rapid fatigue, which can lead to mistakes and potential injuries. Avoid this with sunglasses—any kind works.
3. A Water Jug
Forget the 8-ounce bottles—get yourself a gallon jug. Dehydration causes muscle cramps and exhaustion that could send you to the ER, as it did for me once. Fill your jug with ice water and use a carabiner to clip it to your backpack so you don’t have to carry it. Aim to drink 16oz of water one hour before rehearsal, and 64 ounces for each rehearsal block.
4. Sunscreen
Use SPF30 or higher and apply it to all exposed areas of your body before every rehearsal block. This will help you avoid cooking like a lobster and going to bed every night with painful sunburns.
5. Earplugs
Marching band can get loud, especially near the drumline. Protect your hearing with hi-fidelity earplugs. They preserve important sounds while safeguarding your ears. Remember, once your hearing is gone, it's gone for good. Start protecting your hearing now.
6. Athletic Clothing
Wear light, moisture-wicking clothing that you can move comfortably in. This helps keep your body cool and ensures that you don’t overheat.
7. Athletic Shoes
The ankle is the most injured body part in marching band. Sprained ankles, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis are common injuries from the repetitive nature of marching. Use lightweight cross-trainers or running shoes with good arch support and traction to avoid slipping and minimize the impact of each step.
8. Towel
Many marching bands integrate PT and conditioning into their rehearsals and often drop down to the floor to do certain exercises. Having a towel to use during PT will ensure that you don’t end up placing your hands on hot turf or concrete when you do PT.
9. Lip Balm
Chapped lips are literally THE WORST! Exposure to weather, mouth breathing, dehydration, and instrument contact all contribute. to chapped lips. Protect your lips by keeping lip balm with SPF on you at all times!
10. A Fanny Pack
This will help you carry a few essential items with you on the field at all times. Inside, keep chapstick to avoid chapped lips, a small notebook to write down changes, two pencils, and your earplugs. You can wear it or clip it around your drums.
Conclusion
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