Viking Band Camp

The last week of July marks the start of band season for our family with the arrival of NW Viking Band Camp.  For three weeks, the students spend each day learning their new show. Mornings are devoted to marching fundamentals and drill outside, while afternoons move indoors for music rehearsal. With the addition of weekend social events, our calendars are full and are hearts are happy watching L&L do what they love. Everyone looks forward to the first day of band camp, except for maybe Millie, who spent the day staring forlornly at the door, waiting for her brother and sister to come home:

 

This year, Luke was named one of the drum majors for the marching band (which is the largest in NWHS history with almost 200 members). Drum majors serve as the band’s leaders, conducting the show’s music and directing the musicians, and this is a tremendous honor and big responsibility. They also lead the Leadership Team (LTs), who kicked off Band Camp in bright yellow shirts, welcoming and guiding everyone on the first day.

Leadership Team

Band Camp Day 1:  Morning Meeting

The back of their shirts read "Leader-shrimp Team", a nod to their Forrest Gump-inspired show theme.

NW Viking Drum Majors: Jacob, Luke, and Chloe

Learning the basics:

Leah pushing one of the props

Adding instruments:

Rain or shine, these kids play with their hearts!

It's a Great Day to be a Viking Drum Major!

This band works so hard, but they have fun, too!

Twinning: "Back and Body Hurts"

Luke and Jacob are so silly, and add a dynamic of humor to the leadership of this band.

Pouring Ice Water on the drum majors:

Seniors

Pink sunglasses, every day.

I captured this sweet picture of Luke teaching Ethan (his "little" in the sousaphone section last year) how to conduct:

Future Drum Major in training?!

The fire department showed up on the last day and surprised the band by cooling them off with a spray party. The squeals of delight and glee were priceless:

Last Day of Camp Sectional Lunch:

Mellophones

Sparetime Social:

Uniform Fitting Day:

First time donning a shako

Drum Major Uniform (sans plume)

Posing with Riley, 2024-25 NW Viking Band Drum Major

Sousa Little Sister

Viking Band Camp wraps up with a big potluck dinner and a Friends and Family performance (which I’ll recap in my next blog post). On the first day of school, select members of the Viking Band visited our four feeder elementary schools to play pep band songs as students arrived. It was such a fun and heartwarming way to give back to the community and kick off the year!