Summer Band Camp Hits a High Note with Growth, Dedication, and Student Leadership

As the sounds of drums, horns, and marching commands filled the summer air, students from across the Hazelwood School District spent the past several weeks preparing for an exciting performance season through Summer Band Camp. For many participants, the experience has been about much more than learning music—it has been about growth, teamwork, leadership, and building lasting friendships.

Students from Hazelwood East and Hazelwood Central came together to form the unified HSD Marching 101 summer band and auxiliary camp, spending long days rehearsing music, perfecting formations, and preparing for football games, ceremonies, competitions, and community events.

For Mylon Patterson, a Central freshman and snare drummer, the opportunity to participate was an easy decision. "My parents told me about it, and I thought, ' Why not give it a try? Because, you know, I always try to find something new, find new people, make new friends, all that stuff," Patterson said.

That willingness to try something new is exactly what Summer Band Camp aims to encourage. Students spend weeks developing musical skills while also learning the importance of discipline, communication, and collaboration. Over the course of three weeks, the eight-hour, four-day-a-week camp participants practiced both on the field and in the band room, focusing on the music and routines they will perform throughout the year.

"We usually go over what we're going to do at football games or graduation ceremonies," Patterson explained. "We make sure that we blend perfectly with each other." That sense of unity has become one of the program's greatest strengths.

East High upperclassmen Nicholas Osoko, an 11th-grader, and Justin Roby, a 12th-grader, have witnessed the program’s growth firsthand. According to the students, participation has increased significantly over the past year. What began as a small ensemble has expanded into a much larger and more complete marching band.

"Last year, when we first started, we really didn't have many players," Osoko explained. "This year we have more clarinets, more flutes, more saxophones, more trombones, and a full drum line."

The students are proud of their progress and excited about what it means for the program’s future. "It's really progressed in a short amount of time," Roby added.

While audiences often see the finished product, students say the preparation requires dedication and perseverance. Band camp participants spend hours each day rehearsing both indoors and outdoors, learning music, memorizing parts, and refining marching routines. "It's really vigorous," Roby said. "We're outside maybe three or four hours a day rehearsing the field show, making sure it's right, rehearsing music. It's a short amount of time, but the work is definitely paying off."

Students also learn to perform without relying heavily on sheet music. "When it comes to marching band, we don't have time to keep looking at the music sheet," Osoko explained. "We continuously play the songs again and again until we know them, and we don't need the music anymore."

The process can be challenging, but students agree that mastering a piece of music brings a tremendous sense of accomplishment. "When I learn a new piece of music and can play it from memory, it's really cool," Roby said.

Beyond the music, students say one of the most rewarding aspects of camp is the relationships they build. "Definitely seeing my friends from school during band camp," Osoko said when asked about his favorite part of the experience.

Students also enjoy meeting new people and helping younger members improve their skills. "Seeing the progression of new people and seeing their progress in a short amount of time really makes me feel good," Roby added.

The positive atmosphere extends to the instructors as well. Patterson described the relationship between students and directors as one built on mutual respect and fun. "They're really, really important to us," he said. "They're a bit goofy with us, and we're a bit goofy with them. So it's an overall good relationship."

Students also appreciate the encouragement they receive from staff members, who challenge them to improve while creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

While many students pursue athletics, Patterson says music has always been his passion. "Overall, I'm not really attracted to sports like that," he said. "I've been doing band since about fourth grade. I always find music more entertaining, more interesting, more passionate."

His love for music reflects a common theme among band camp participants: a desire to express themselves creatively while contributing to something larger than themselves.

With the summer session coming to an end, students are eager to showcase everything they have learned. "I really am excited to see how people are going to react to us playing for them," Patterson said.

As the marching season approaches, students know the long rehearsals, early mornings, and countless repetitions have prepared them for success. Their message to future band members is simple: don't be afraid to give it a try. "Always give it a try," Patterson encouraged. "Even in high school, you can start a band there."

Roby echoed that sentiment, reminding future participants that growth comes from commitment and perseverance. "You're going to work. You're going to be outside. You're going to sweat," he said. "But that's what makes being in band such a big accomplishment."

Through hard work, teamwork, and a shared passion for music, Summer Band Camp continues to help students build skills, confidence, and memories that will last long after the final note is played.