This is a lot of information, but I ask that you read it in its entirety so that you know everything you will need to know about Drum Camp, which starts on Monday, July 20.
Woodward Drumline Camp Schedule 2026
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Simply put, our goal for Drumline Camp is to learn all of the music for our upcoming Marching Band show. We have been able to meet this goal (almost) every year and I anticipate this year will be no different. It may not seem like it on Monday morning, but our schedule is structured in a way that makes this possible, with plenty of sectional time and all or your hard work.
We begin instruction each day promptly at 8:00am. This means that you should be in place, with instruments and materials ready by 8:00am. You should plan to arrive at Woodward Academy around 7:45am each day in order to do this. We know that Atlanta has terrible traffic and some of you live quite a long distance from the school. Please take this into account and plan accordingly so that you are on time each day. Tardiness is a distration to everyone. Also, transition times to the next scheduled event should always be prior to the start of the event. Always be set up and ready to begin at each start time.
Report to the BAND ROOM by 8:00am on Monday morning.
What you need each day:
- Your PRINTED music. Reading music from your phone or device is not acceptable (see below for more about phones)*. You cannot see all of the music on a small screen and is impossible to scroll and play at the same time. It is also impossible to make notations on the music. Music will be distributed at camp, but you can always download and print your music from the Drumline Website (wadrumline.com/music). You will be provided a binder with sheet protectors and you will use this for all music during the Marching Band season.
- Prepare your music once you have it: highlight parts, write in counting for complex rhythms, or note names for high/low ledger lines, etc.
- Your NEW WA Drumline Book
- Sticks and Mallets. Make sure that sticks and mallets (Battery only) always have fresh white tape on them. (All members of the battery need to have a roll of white vinyl (electricians) tape. Most hardware stores and big-box retailers carry this in the electrical department/section for around $6. You will need this throughout the season. (One roll should be plenty.)
- A pencil or two for marking your music.
- Your own water bottle. It will be HOT and we will spend most of our time outside, weather permitting. You must have a water bottle that is filled prior to each practice event. Write your name or otherwise mark your water bottle. Drink lots of water throughout the day and before and after practice.
- A hat and/or sunglasses is highly recommended, as is sunscreen and anything else that will protect you from the elements. We’ll seek shade as much as we can, but this will not always be possible, especially for full ensemble rehearsals.
- Optional (but recommended) ear plugs for indoor rehearsals. Foam earplugs can usually be found at a drugstore and can help take the edge off of indoor playing to protect your hearing.
Comfortable shoes and socks. Plan on standing all day except during breaks.** - Eat a good, healthy BREAKFAST, lunch (provided at camp) & dinner each day so that your body and mind are ready for hard work.
- Get to bed early and get a good night’s rest. You will need your energy over the next few weeks.
* Phones should be put away and silenced during all meetings, warm-ups, sectionals & ensemble rehearsals. Phones are a distraction and take your attention away from instruction and practice. Drumline Camp and Band Camp are an extension of the school year, so Woodward Academy policies are in effect. You may use your phone only before and after camp, during scheduled breaks and during lunch. (Section leaders may use their phone to check the time of day, or to use a metronome app.)
Students caught with their phones out (1st offense) during rehearsals will have them collected until the end of the practice day. 2nd offense - parents may collect your phone from Mr. Rowser at the end of the day.
* PARENTS - please be mindful of the distraction to rehearsals that texting or calling your child can create. If a parent needs to reach a student due to an emergency, please contact (Mr. Morgan) or Mr. Rowser.
** Physical conditioning. We will use drum carriers more and more during rehearsals to build up our endurance in the Battery. You are encouraged, as a section, to spend some sectional time holding your instrument so that you can get used to the additional weight and stresses it places on your body. Band Camp week will focus more time on marching on the field, so we want to develop some strength and endurance in preparation for those demands. Members of the Pit are required to move equipment often from location to location. You also need to be in good physical shape to roll your instruments in and out of Richardson and to and from the practice field and stadium.
Always lift with your legs, not your back, when picking up your drums. Spending time outside of practice working on core exercises will be helpful. For the Pit, you will be moving equipment around quite a bit. This generally requires good grip and pushing with your legs. Move quickly, but safely from place to place and drive carefully, watching out for obstacles such as other instruments, door frames, other students, etc.
Lunch is provided each day, but you are welcome to bring additional snacks as desired. We can not refrigerate food or beverages.
Goals for Success
- Have a GREAT attitude
- Work extremely hard
- Be prepared
- Move quickly and efficiently everywhere
- Be FIRST, wherever you are going
- Don’t waste time
- Be focused and listen – even (especially) when you are not being addressed
- Learn from what others are being taught
- Respect student leaders, instructors and directors
- Respect fellow band members
- Have a great time
- Take pride in yourself and your section
- Be the best section in the Marching Band
- Respect and care for the equipment
- Make great MUSIC – always!
- Buy into the show and perform to the best of your ability
- Get better each time you play or march
- Don’t waste a repetition (rep), learn something or improve something each time
- Don’t practice (repeat) mistakes - they’ll get harder to correct
- Offer to help someone with ANYTHING
- Ask for help or ask questions about ANYTHING
- Be a leader (without the title)
- Demand excellence from yourself
- Have FUN – because you are doing something that you like to do and are doing it well!
I am looking forward to a great camp, and please know that you all are valued and appreciated!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.