NHS band camp creating music and teamwork

As the start of the 2024-2025 school year approaches, Niwot High School band students get a head start preparing for an exciting new season through their annual band camp.

Band camp is where new members are welcomed and the fundamentals of marching are honed, marking a big step towards the upcoming season's performances. The week-long camp, starting Monday, July 29, runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day at Niwot High School.

Students practice their halftime show music and pep music for football games while also mastering key marching commands such as "attention," "marking time," and "forward march." These skills are used for achieving precision and coordination needed for successful performances.

A highlight of band camp is the preparation for the Boulder County Fair Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, in Longmont. On Friday, Aug. 2, the band will have a special practice session at Silver Creek High School to get ready for the parade. This event is a major showcase for the band and an important part of their community involvement.

The band's leadership team is essential to its preparation. Wade Hendricks, the band director manages all aspects of the program. Scott Barto, the drumline instructor, directs the percussion section, and Anthony Pierro and Nova Simich manage the color guard, with Pierro serving as guard instructor and Simich as assistant guard instructor. Their combined skills and dedication shape the band's performance and overall experience.

Mark Rokhlenko, one of the drum majors, is excited about the upcoming season and said, "The Niwot Band is a truly incredible place where we aim to achieve increasing levels of excellence in our playing, marching, and teamwork. We are also innovating a lot this year, introducing more choreography than we have ever done, and we are working to introduce other innovative parts into our field show. These band members are always working hard, and I'm already so proud of them."

Band camp is not just about perfecting skills, it is also about building a strong sense of community and teamwork. Karlien Dang-lee, a senior band member, explained, "Band camp is the exciting start to the rest of the marching season and brings everyone together."

A barbeque on Friday will wrap up the week and provide an opportunity for everyone to relax, bond, and celebrate their hard work before the big parade and the forthcoming performances. It is a cherished tradition that fosters a sense of unity and mutual support among the band members.

The dedication and effort of both the students and instructors are key to the band's success, and any additional support is greatly appreciated. Contact Wade Hendricks, the band director, at [email protected].