With the fall season rolling around, the Juniata Valley Marching Band is back in action. Before the marching band can start its season, all members must go through band camp. Band camp is a mandatory practice that happens from Monday through Friday for two weeks in August. Almost every high school and college marching band program kicks off its season with band camp.

During band camp, the Juniata Valley marching band members learn their halftime show. This year, it is titled “Reforged.” It is about creating a new identity and becoming a new person. Band camp revolves around learning this halftime show, and it is one of the main reasons why it can be so challenging for the newer band members. Juniata Valley’s band director, Tyler Roland, said, “I think that Band Camp helps set the tone for the year and helps new students adjust to the High School Band in 7-12 grade.” The learning experience that marching band provides is truly like no other.

Throughout band camp, the Juniata Valley Marching Band learns many different skills. On some days, they are outside working on their pregame performance, and on others, they are inside working on the stand tunes they play at Friday night football games. On most days, they are improving their skills for their competitive season. Band camp also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience as leaders. One of the Juniata Valley marching band’s section leaders, Reagan Smith, said, “I enjoy band camp very much. It is a crucial part of marching band and one of my favorite things to look forward to. Every year there’s something new to enjoy, whether it be the new rookies, the half-time show, or even just the little jokes my band director likes to say.”

Many of the students in the marching band enjoy how Roland creates a fun and educational environment. This applies to all students, from 7th to 12th. “My band director, Tyler Roland, is a fantastic leader, and since he has taken over the JVHS band program, it has flourished and really turned into something I can be proud to say that I’m a part of.” Juniata Valley’s band camp is hosted the week before and the week after the Huntingdon County Fair. This allows the marching band members who show livestock and enjoy playing music to do both activities. This makes marching band a very versatile activity and a great option for those seeking a fun extracurricular activity. From the hot summer days spent playing an instrument, to the afternoons spent indoors with a metronome clicking in the band member’s ears, band camp is an enjoyable and the most crucial part of the Juniata Valley’s Marching Band season.