Published: August 05, 2008 07:26 am      

Boomer band in summer camp

The Woodward High School Boomer Band went to summer band camp Monday at Boiling Springs State Park.

WHS Band Director David Mudd said this year marks the band’s first out-of-town summer camp.

“We do...some kind of rehearsal every year,” Mudd said. “This is the first time we’ve taken the kids somewhere outside the city limits.”

Mudd said around 50 band members traveled to the park for the four-day camp, which runs through Thursday. He said a few students could not attend, but nearly all the band turned out for camp.

The students’ progress on the first day was impressive, Mudd said.

“I think we’ve gotten a lot done today already,” he said. “If we keep this up we’ll get a lot more done than I’ve ever gotten at a summer program before.”

Campers braved the 100-plus degree heat to practice marching Monday evening, one of several activities to be held this week.

“They’re going to have sectionals every day...and then full band rehearsals, and then marching rehearsals,” Mudd said.

In addition to band-related activities, students will have the opportunity to spend some free time entertaining themselves and enjoying the park.

Several area college students are assisting with the camp and will schedule activities of their own the campers may participate in, Mudd said.

“Some college kids from SWOSU came down and they’re going to do activities with the kids each evening,” he said.

The band will practice music for its upcoming halftime shows during Boomer football games. “This year our music has a western theme,” Mudd said.

The band wrapped up its Monday rehearsal with a rendition of “Happy Trails.”

Band members are also preparing for the band picnic to be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Crystal Beach Park. Mudd said the picnic will feature a performance.

“On Friday at Crystal Beach Park, 7 o’clock, we have our annual band picnic,” Mudd said. “The band will play as much of our halftime music as we’ve learned.”

Mudd said he was pleased with the way things went the first day of camp and was looking forward to the rest of the week.

“Things are going really well so far. I think the kids are doing a great job,” Mudd said. “I think this is going to be a fantastic week.”

When asked if there would be a similar camp next year, Mudd replied, “We’ll see how it goes this year.”