Summer Band Camp & Heat

We have been experiencing temperatures in Central Texas that are even hotter than usual. Families are understandably concerned for their students' well-being as we approach summer band camp and after-school practices. This newsletter describes the typical summer band practice schedule, why it is the way it is, and what we do to stay safe in the heat.

In general, we are outside from 7:30am to 11:00 or 11:30am on a given day of summer band camp. We will follow the new (2024) UIL Wet Bulb measurement guidelines (more on that below). We spend the morning working on our aerobic conditioning, stretches, learning marching fundamentals, and sets from the show. Generally, we take water breaks every 10-20 minutes and directors and student leadership will constantly monitor for signs and symptoms of heat related illness and may make recommendations for sunscreen, extra water, or a short break for an individual.

Lunch is INSIDE (typically 90 minutes) around 11:00 or 11:30am. When lunch is over, around 12:30 or 1:00pm, we resume summer band camp INSIDE with music rehearsals.

In 2024, the UIL has approved Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as the recommended forecast measurement to be used to monitor environmental conditions during outdoor physical activities. The values listed in the chart are WBGT measurements - not temperature or heat index measurements. It is the responsibility of each coach or director to ensure these guidelines are being followed.

We will use a device to take these measurements 30 minutes before any scheduled practice and then again during the practice.

WBGT Guidelines (FYI - this document is in "final draft" form - I'm working with the Austin ISD Fine Arts office to finalize. The basic WBGT ranges are all accurate, just detailing some language, but wanted to go ahead and make this available)

Additional health and safety tips from UIL

Due to a variety factors, we practice after-school once school begins. All rehearsals and events are posted on the BoosterHub calendar.

Our bell schedule is 8:15am-3:55pm every day. One reason we practice after school is due to transportation. Students come from all parts of town to attend LASA and the AISD buses are only able to provide transportation for LASA students based on school bell schedules, thus there are no buses available for before-school rehearsal.

After-school rehearsal goes from 4:15-6:30pm. Late buses are available for students and they depart at 6:45pm.

• white T-shirt (REQUIRED)
• shorts (REQUIRED)
• tennis shoes with socks (REQUIRED)
• 64oz insulated water jug (REQUIRED)

• sunscreen (REQUIRED)
• hat (REQUIRED)
• sunglasses (STRONGLY ENCOURAGED)
• cooling towels (ENCOURAGED)

• Students are required to wear a white T-shirt to help reflect some of the sun's rays. (The 'summer band uniform' is for actual performances, not rehearsals.) And also, when everyone wears a white t-shirt, it makes it easier to assess the marching drill from the tower.
• Students are required to wear a hat to help reduce the amount of direct sun they get on their head and face.
• Students are required to wear shorts and tennis shoes w/ socks.
• Many students find that sunglasses help them with glare, reducing eye strain.
• Put on sunscreen every time before outdoor rehearsal. Sunburn = no fun.

BAND CAMP ATTIRE

1. For each day of band camp and after-school marching band, students should wear a white T-shirt. Exception is guard, who will be allowed to wear different garments/colors based on Ms. Allen's input.
2. This helps the director staff with the visual learning process. When students are dressed the same, the on-field picture is easier to read allowing us to give useful feedback.
3. This helps reduce a bit of the heat for students by dressing in a light color.

SUMMER BAND UNIFORM

1. This is the navy blue t-shirt and shorts students were required to purchase.
2. This is what we wear as entire band program at all our early season performances.
3. We will plan on wearing our full marching band uniform for the first time at the CapCity Marching Festival exhibition performance.
4. Every time we wear the full marching band uniform, we wear the summer uniform underneath (shirt and shorts); that way, when we're allowed to take off our jackets in the stands, we still look uniform.

The most important thing students can do to remain safe in the extreme Texas summer heat is to ensure proper diet and sleep. Lack of sleep is one of the top causes of accidents and low performance across all fields of human endeavor. Lack of sleep PLUS extreme heat = feeling BAD.

Proper diet includes regular meals/snacks comprised of real food and plenty of water throughout the day. (Flamin' Hot Cheetos are not, contrary to popular student belief, REAL FOOD!) Protein keeps you strong and allows muscles to recover more quickly throughout the day. The vitamins and nutrients in vegetables, fruits, and healthy starches helps your body make it's own short and long-term energy. Eat bad = feel bad.

Students ABSOLUTELY MUST eat breakfast and lunch each day. Everyone is different, but experience has shown time and time again, that many students who feel bad during morning or after-school rehearsals DIDN'T EAT breakfast or lunch.

WATER WATER WATER

Students will drink 64-128oz water each day, throughout the entire day. Students MUST have a 64oz (or bigger) insulated personal water jug. Write your name on it and fill it up consistently throughout the day, even after you get home in the afternoon.

We will have two 10-gallon water jugs filled with ice and water prior to every outdoor rehearsal. We fill these up as necessary throughout the rehearsal. Thanks to our Student Band Managers for taking care of the band!

Although percussion and guard begin on 7/22, they will not be outside very much this week. So, everyone has about one week to prepare for band camp. Some simple tips that I recommend. Take a walk every day or get outside and be physically active. Take some water, put on some sunscreen, wear a hat and move around. Take note of how you're doing. Don't over do it on the first day or two, but work your way up to being outside for 60 or more minutes over the coming days. This will help you get used to the heat.

One of the surprising things about training in a group of people is how the group energy can help individuals meet the challenges of the situation they otherwise might not feel up for on their own. We're stronger together! Take care of yourself, let others know when you're feeling especially bad and take a 5 minute break on the sidelines then head back on the field. Take care of yourself, take care of each other and we'll have a safe and fun summer band camp.

NOTE: band directors are required to take CPR and First Aid training every two years and Mr. Torres and I are both current on our certification.

Thank you,

Ponder East, LASA Band

ponder.east@austinisd.org