Musicians warm up at band camp

Glacier High School students who are worried they might have lost their rhythm over the summer can gain it back at band camp in August.

Glacier's band camp is Aug. 10 through 13 at the high school. All students who plan to participate in band this year should plan to attend.

"I understand that there are people who have vacations planned. I never have 100 percent" attendance, band director David Barr said. "But I want to make sure the kids understand it's an important thing."

It's particularly important because the band's first performance is at the Northwest Montana Fair parade Aug. 21 - five days before the school year begins. Marching rehearsal will be an important part of band camp, Barr said.

"Once school starts, we don't get a whole lot of marching in because the season is so short," he said. "And it's hard to get real focused practices in because there are so many other distractions."

Glacier is the only local high school that puts on a band camp this month. This is the third straight year Barr has held the camp.

The camp was born when Glacier Principal Callie Langohr asked Barr to have the band ready to play for the school's grand opening celebration in August 2007, Barr said. The celebration was held before the school year began.

"In order to put the band together, we had to have some kind of rehearsal schedule," he said.

Barr said he has conducted band camps at other schools before moving to Kalispell in 2004.

This camp will offer master classes with professional music teachers during the day, Barr said. Karen Ulmer, the music education director at Columbia Falls High School, will teach saxophone and possibly flute classes. Kalispell Middle School band director Hank Handford will teach low brass.

Chris Moen, the band director at Lincoln County High School in Eureka, and local musician Dinah Weimer will teach clarinet. Barr will teach percussion.

Students will perform for parents at 5 p.m. Aug. 13.

Camp begins 8:30 a.m. Aug. 10. Except for the last day, it runs until 5:30 p.m. daily.

Because students will be marching, they should wear comfortable shoes to camp. Flip flops are not allowed.

Students should bring sunscreen, a water bottle and their musical instrument.

For additional information, contact Barr at barrd@sd5.k12.mt.us or 758-8687.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com