FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) – Fairhope High School’s marching band is deep into its annual summer band camp, spending long hours on the practice field as a heat advisory remains in effect across south Alabama.
Students practice from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day, learning music, memorizing drill formations and preparing for fall performances.
Staying safe in the heat
With the heat index climbing near or above 100 degrees, band directors schedule frequent water breaks and give students time to cool off in the shade before returning to the field.
Band member Scarlett said the breaks come often. “We normally break almost every 15 minutes, for 3 to 5 minutes,” she said. “The feels-like temperature could be upwards of 100 degrees. It becomes a risk to our bodies because we don’t want heat stroke or anything.”
Students say the work pays off
Band member Zach said the conditions serve a purpose. “It helps develop us,” he said. “We get to go outside, push ourselves and get used to being outside and helping us push past our limits.”…