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This Article may appear in the
Springs Valley Herald and
Bedford Times-Mail

Hard Work at SV Band Camp Worth it in October

By: Jermaine Williams
info@blackhawkbrigade.com
SV Brigade Media Relations

FRENCH LICK, Ind. – Eighty hours, hot sun with high heat indices, and long days…  That is the best descriptor for the annual Blackhawk Brigade band camp held at Springs Valley High School. 

Is the hard work worth it? “We know that the long, hot, humid days are all worth the midnight rides home in October,” said junior drum major Nia Seitz.  Seitz experienced her first band camp on the podium of the Brigade. 

The heat always poses a bit of a threat during camp, but as in years past, the Brigade triumphed through the weather. “The students really work hard and do a great job of managing the heat and the physicality of the two weeks,” said Director of Bands Luke Aylsworth.

The Brigade entered camp with two goals for camp.  They wanted to march and play the first two numbers and be able to play all three numbers of this year’s repertoire.  The group accomplished both. “They were ahead of schedule both weeks and ended the camp marching and playing two thirds of the 2010 show,” added Aylsworth.

This year’s show title is “The Struggle.”  The show design is centered on the quote, “Anything in life worth having is worth the struggle.”  The show will have a similar emotional impact like last year’s show. “It is a very powerful and emotional show with a lot of meaning behind it,” added Seitz.

Senior Kylyn Dixon has her own struggle with camp this year as it will be her last band camp as a student.  Dixon is in her fifth and final year with the Brigade.  “It saddens me being a senior,” said Dixon. “But, I’m glad I can be a leader that younger members can look up to.”  And there are plenty young members as the senior class, seven, represents only seven percent of the 95 member band.

This year, the Brigade was fortunate enough to have a large and experienced staff assisting the group.  The staff included three current music education students, two former drum corps marchers, who also perform in BLAST, as well as the prior staff of alumni and former directors. “We have a wealth of experience and knowledge. Our students are getting a wonderful education from these individuals,” said Aylsworth

Looking ahead, the Brigade hopes to continue on the path they laid last season by winning all invitational’s and placing their in the state and nationally.  “I expect another good season is ahead for us. The program is running on all cylinders now and students come in each year more prepared and more willing to put forth the type of effort required to be a state and national level band,” concluded Aylsworth.

The Brigade has a number of events coming up before the season officially gets underway.  On Thursday, band students will pick up the Krispy Kreme doughnuts sold the last two weeks and be delivering them throughout the weekend. Friday is Blackhawk Brigade Day at the Big Slash Adventure Waterpark.  A portion of all ticket sales will go to support the Brigade. 

On September 4, Springs Valley will host the third annual Springs Valley Festival of Bands.  Bands attending will be Springs Valley, Paoli, Orleans, Crawford County, and Northeast Dubois.  The festival will also be broadcasted live online at Indiana Marching.com.