FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Oak Hill High School is excited for this summer’s two-and-a-half-week band camp.
The first week is reserved for drumline, majorettes, and color guard. Second week is music, and the remaining time is putting the Escape from Pompeii show together.
“I love seeing my kids. I miss them over the summer. I love getting them excited and teaching,” said Band Director Travis Myers. “Seeing the potential of the kids come to light, and seeing them blossom in a great program.”
Being in band camp allows you to immerse yourself in the music and have chances to perform.
“Music’s always been a part of me. I enjoy playing music, entertaining people with music, and I’m going to enjoy doing that for however long I do it,” Field Commander Jaydon Mullins said. “It’s what keeps me going every day.”
There are 70 kids in the Oak Hill High School Band Camp. And it’s never too late to join them.
“If you want to find the highest test scores in the building, the hardest working kids, most well-disciplined, you come to the band room,” said Myers. “They’re fantastic kids.”
This longtime band member, alto-sax player (and singer) enjoys band camp and says she will always take its music and life lessons with her.
“It’s the community. You build all of your friends in this situation, in this area,” Featured Twirler Rose Bigelow said. “All my friends now are in band. I’ve met so many people in band.”
For Myers, it’s about team-building activities and leadership.
“They get to know each other pretty quickly,” said the band director. “Our newbies were, of course, nervous because it was their first day, but they’ve already made their friends in the band and from their school last year. We do become a little family.”
They say that band camp offers a safe space, a sense of belonging, and purpose.
“There are so many intelligent people, so many people that share interests,” Bigelow said.
“And it’s so nice to meet people who are passionate about something.”
Myers says he is proud of his students every day.
“The hard work they put in is an amazing thing to see,” said the band director. “I’m a lucky person to be able to do this.”
