A week before his classmates would make their first awkward acquaintances on Grounds, first-year College student Blair Burnett had already eaten, slept and commiserated with dozens of new friends and performed half-naked on stage to raucous applause.
The Cavalier Marching Band held its annual band camp for a week last month in Charlottesville, spending seven sweltering hours a day mastering the complicated choreography and familiar songs that thrill the Sea of Orange every football season.
More than 220 band members trekked to the turf of Carr's Field every morning, drill books in hand and drill position number memorized. For two hours, the bleary-eyed band would practice -- "Go to set!" -- and practice -- "Horns up!" -- and practice. When it seemed they could march no more, it was time for lunch -- and then more practice.
The daily practice sessions, which included morning drill formations, afternoon sectional rehearsal and full band rehearsal in the evenings, were vital in ensuring an engaging and dynamic performance on game day. But it is the nights that band camp participants will remember.
Band members were treated to a different program every night of the week: "The Price is Right," skit night, karaoke night, bowling, a scavenger hunt and a final party. Teams comprised of instrumental sections competed for points at each event, hoping to be crowned victors of the band camp games at the end of the week.
Fourth-year College student Lauren Schmidt noted that the marching band is comprised of funny -- and often slightly bizarre -- people. That may explain the items on the scavenger hunt.
"You could win points for a receipt for $9.08, a shaved head, a creative moustache and synchronized swimming in the hotel pool," Schmidt said. One adventurous female gained points for giving herself a mohawk. Another young man's solo performance of music from "The Little Mermaid" was a hit with onlookers.
Burnett recalled the saxophone section's skit night performance, an imitation of the movie "300." In the infamous scene, clouds part, music swells and King Leonidas exclaims, "This is Sparta!" before kicking a messenger into a well in slow-motion.
"I came out on stage in a skimpy outfit and a lot of jewelry," Burnett said. "Everyone thought it was hilarious ... I've never laughed so hard."
The band camp experience is especially helpful for first-year students, some of whom enter the University without knowing a single face on Grounds.
"As soon as the first-years come in, they're greeted by clapping," Schmidt said. "We show them that we're really excited they're here and [we welcome] them to the marching band family."
Though the practices were tiring, Burnett said, the week was more fun than he had expected. Added bonuses were the friendships he made.
"I'm from Maryland, and nobody from my school came to U.Va.," Burnett said. "After a week of band camp, I already knew 100 people."
Even though the week has drawn to a close, the experience will not soon be forgotten. The horn section will celebrate its band camp games victory, and the drumline will continue to ask for a recount. Band members will kayak and canoe together at leadership camps -- not to mention the hours they will spend together during football season.
But before first-year students like Burnett can become full-fledged members of the Cavalier Marching Band family, one more obstacle remains: the first game.
Some band members said they are nervous about their first performance. Some hope to rely on strength in numbers. For others, the pounding drums, rhythmic marching and triumphant performances of "The Good Ol' Song" are moments they've been looking forward to for quite some time. Burnett, however, is only focused on one thing.
"High-stepping out of the tunnel on game day, hearing everyone screaming," Burnett said. "People tell me it's really great. I just hope I don't mess up"
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 4 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 6 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
