Green Country Marching Bands Prepare For Season Amid Scorching Temperatures

Marching bands are preparing for the fall season amid Oklahoma’s scorching hot days.

A lot of local marching bands practice in the mornings to beat the heat, but some bands, like Bixby High School, practice twice a day, certain days of the week, in order to get ready for the season.

Bixby High School Senior and Head Drum Major Emma Hussin said her eyes are always on her fellow band members.

"We're kind of the main source of communication between the band students and the directors,” said Hussin.

Hussin said they're also constantly encouraging students to stay hydrated, so they can keep practices moving.

"We advise them to eat a good breakfast, not dairy because milk will upset your stomach in the heat,” said Hussin. “We also tell them to drink a lot of water throughout the day, not just at rehearsal because if you just drink water at rehearsal, you're not going to end up feeling very great.”

Bixby Director of Bands Jeremy Parker said they try to limit their time outside, by rotating different groups inside. He said they also take frequent breaks.

"We usually never rehearse more than 25-30 minutes before we take a break for five minutes,” said Parker.

Parker said this year, the OSSAA required all band students get a physical ahead of the season. He also said all his staff are trained to know the signs of heat exhaustion.

"They're not out on the field like football players but they're sometimes out doing multiple performances like before the game and at halftime,” said Parker. “So, we still have to train them and condition throughout all the summer band camps and leading up through the season.”

Hussin said it's also important to stay healthy so you don't miss practice.

"If you're sick from the heat or exhaustion then you're going to miss out on really important stuff we are going to learn during rehearsal," said Hussin. 

Parker said they also have more members to keep track of this year. Last year they had around 190 students, this year they have 225.