Posted July 28Spat camp got underway in full on Monday, July 28 as over 280 musicians and color guard convened at Patrick Henry Middle School. The muggy Monday started with the annual kick-off meeting, where directors Dan and Bob Carlson laid down the rules and routines of Spat Camp. New for '08: keep your phones in your pockets at all times. The Carlson's passed on their goals for the week, including having the entire show blocked out by the end of Spat Camp on Friday.
The attendance block was the first order of the day on the field, a form that the students will use every day they practice. By mid afternoon, the band had formed their first horn arc to learn their breathing exercises, and had played their first notes as a group, practicing their warm up scales.
The Patriot Marching Band had their first taste Spat Camp in true July fashion: the dew point hovered at 70 as the air temp topped 85 at mid afternoon. But the directors were pleased to have everyone there: two holes created by student that had moved were plugged by hole-fillers ready and waiting. "It was a good start today" director Bob Carlson said after the lunch break.
Spat camp continues all week at Patrick Henry, with parents and friends invited Saturday morning for the annual "Breakfast with the band".
