Both of the boys went to Interlochen this year for Pioneer High music camp. M participated in his third camp, and K completed his rookie year.
M has been practicing all summer to try out for the drum major position. He and 8 other drum major candidates (also known as "DMCs") practiced 5-6 days per week, 2 hours at a time, in the weeks leading up to their Interlochen trip. On Saturday of band camp, they auditioned in front of the combined bands. All DMCs are Juniors: the newly-selected drum major will act as an assistant of sorts this school year, then will take the official role next year as a Senior.
Their work this summer was exhausting, sometimes sunburning, and even bee-stinging, and their muscles and characters were built over the course of their practices.
The combined bands performed a marching demonstration for all the parents, family, and friends who showed up Sunday to cheer them on.
During the marching demonstration, the DMCs were introduced and recognized for their hard work and perseverance. DMCs will be expected to take leadership roles in the band for the next two years, sometimes doing the less-fun chores, like cleaning up after the band, putting away uniforms, or moving equipment.
M takes his turn leading the group at the marching demonstration. Each DMC led a portion of the program.
All orchestra students participated in ensembles with their fellow musicians. Here we see K and his group getting ready to play their piece, Scherzo by F. David.
These are all the cellos waiting to walk onto stage at the Kresge Auditorium at Interlochen. The band, orchestra, and choir campers represented all the different music groups at the school, and covered a wide range of experience and talent.
My high school held band/orchestra camp at Interlochen way back in the day. I stayed in this cabin each of the three years I was up there (1983-85).
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