Audition Camp Experiences

[Dan-Z]

Hey vets, can you share any stories, experiences, or advice that you learned that would help out us prospects? First timer here, going down to Ft. Mill. Can't wait!

[drilltech1]

Hey vets, can you share any stories, experiences, or advice that you learned that would help out us prospects? First timer here, going down to Ft. Mill. Can't wait!

[/quote

"Down to" sounds like you are a Northerner. Be careful, they get a bit touchy down there since Ft. Mill is on the South Carolina side of the border in the War between the States (South of the Border) while Charlotte and airport, only twenty miles away are Northern Yankees.

Only kidding.

The Crownies are great folks as long as you don't talk about football allegiances or get caught into the game of playing "find the one staff member who didn't march Cadets."

Be yourself, expect to be pushed to your limit but respected as a person, a talented individual, and a member of their warm family.

Safe travels and best of luck.

Edited September 7, 2013 by drilltech1

[kcbari]

Work hard, don't showboat.

We still laugh about some of the old-school stuff that used to happen at Star..."What part am I on? 4th sop. Where's that? Hallway..." Kid walks out, no one there...you've been cut.

[Dan-Z]

"Down to" sounds like you are a Northerner. Be careful, they get a bit touchy down there since Ft. Mill is on the South Carolina side of the border in the War between the States (South of the Border) while Charlotte and airport, only twenty miles away are Northern Yankees.

Only kidding.

The Crownies are great folks along as you don't talk about football allegiances or get caught into the game of playing "find the one staff member who didn't march Cadets."

Be yourself, expect to be pushed to your limit but respected as a person, a talented individual, and a member of their warm family.

Safe travels and best of luck.

Haha, I'm going down from NC, so It's not that far. Thanks for the advice! I might get caught up in football rivalries, though. GO STATE!!!

[contraBand]

Pay attention to the vets, both during rehearsal and outside of it. You can figure out a lot of things that will make life a lot easier by just paying attention to the way they act, the things they do, etc. Think "when in Rome."

EDIT: But don't force it. Be yourself, and be open to suggestions from both the staff and the vets.

Edited September 7, 2013 by contraBand

[rancidrolla]

Make friends & have confidence.

[perc2100]

Pay attention to the vets, both during rehearsal and outside of it. You can figure out a lot of things that will make life a lot easier by just paying attention to the way they act, the things they do, etc. Think "when in Rome."

EDIT: But don't force it. Be yourself, and be open to suggestions from both the staff and the vets.

This = integral. Do what the vets do, and do what the staff asks. Don't argue, show interest in constantly improving yourself each rep, push through any fatigue or soreness you get from a weekend-full of rehearsing, and be social with vets. If staff ask you to play or march a way that is foreign or different from what you do in your current school or what you've previously been taught, try your best to adapt quickly. On the flip side, don't get frustrated: your goal should be to be better every single rep, not necessarily be perfect from rep #1 (although obviously perfection = awesome, you want to show the staff that while you're learning a new skill set or technique you are also striving for perfection and improving every chance you get). I've seen members who sucked on something in the morning block, but impressed the staff with their constant improvement (and by evening block they had it down).

Remember you're currently on the outside looking in, so don't feel bad if there is brothers/sisterhood amongst the vets & staff that you're not a part of; when you're at your most frustrated or tired remember that feeling of being on the outside & how much you want to be a part of that - use that to give you that extra 'push' when you really need it!

Also, remember the basics of taking care of yourself: eat meals & snacks, drink plenty of water & gatorade, relax when you can, exercise good hygiene, etc. Since it's only early September, I HIGHLY recommend you start some sort of exercise program now to get in shape: lift weights, run, etc. They better your endurance & the better in shape you are, the easier it will be for staff to recognize that you can physically hold your own.

Last thing: HAVE FUN! Remember why you're doing what you're doing: probably not to win a ring or pad a resume, but to learn a ton, make new long-lasting friendships, and to enjoy yourself. Performances won't be for quite awhile, but remember the whole reason for all of this is to have a blast playing in front of thousands of people come June. While you're working hard remember to enjoy the little moments of playing in a huge horn arc, or full ensemble, or whatever.

Good luck!

[JKT90]

Listen. Be early to everything. Pay attention to the vets. Be humble. Don't quit. Have a positive attitude. Show you are willing to do whatever it takes. Have fun and relish the experience. Push yourself. Ask questions when appropriate. Don't get frustrated. When rehearsal is over be the last one to dismiss yourself, work extra (be the first up, first on the field and the last one to leave). Oh, and did I mention have fun?

[bill]

Hey vets, can you share any stories, experiences, or advice that you learned that would help out us prospects? First timer here, going down to Ft. Mill. Can't wait!

God gave us two eyes, two ears and only one mouth for a reason; once one gets that figured out, it's clear sailing.

[kansasDC]

Serious: Eat well, but do NOT overeat. Being a volunteer for years, I saw so many rookies pig out on 6 or 7 pancakes at breakfast, and then spend half the weekend sick in the bathroom. Eat just enough to satisfy your hunger and keep your energy up. Tend to the fruits and vegetables. And drink lots and lots of water.