Devine High School Warhorse band members and directors have already started summer practices, but in a revised way to get everyone involved safe due to COVID-19 conditions. Student Leaders were brought in on July 15-17 for their annual “Leadership Camp” training. Leadership is important to the success of a program according to Director Jeff Miller, so they bring in the band officers, drum majors, section leaders, and captains for a few days at the start of the season and go over their responsibilities and arm with keys to successful leadership.
Next up was Color Guard and Percussion Camp the week of July 20-24.
Freshman Marching Orientation Camp was July 27-29 so they can learn the basics of marching, marching with an instrument, and marching while playing their instrument. “Our Freshmen Marching Orientation has been going GREAT this week! We have had good attendance and very enthusiastic students! All of our kids have followed the safety protocols including distancing, masks, water, etc.,”said Jeff Miller, MM, Director of Bands, Devine ISD. As Summer Band Camp continues we look forward to building a strong foundation for our kids to sustain a very successful tradition. No one is backing off – we will keep standards high regardless of our circumstances and reduced performance opportunities! Go Warhorse Band!!!!
“Our Summer Band Schedule has NOT changed since we started! The UIL announcement concerning start date ONLY refers to starting marching drill outside for a “competitive” show,” said Miller. “We are good to go with the schedule we are on already this week”.
“We always have designated start dates for such each year. It does not affect working on music, or fundamentals, or Guard/Percussion groups. This is standard operating. We always follow the rules. This is what we are working on right now in small groups using the guidelines as presented and a shorter scaled back show.
Usually our competition practice would begin on August 1 and we would start on drill sets etc.
This year our Summer Band Schedule is very different than normal and we are in full compliance! Safety is our first priority.
As of the July 21, 2020 press release UIL said 1st day to begin “Contest show visual and marching show curriculum” will be September 7. Region contest deadline for 4A schools is December 3, Area Dec 10, and State December 2020 TBD.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher