Preparation for the 2016 marching band season came in the fiery cauldron of July in Lunenburg County for the the Central High School (CHS) Marching Chargers.

Fifty-five participants attended the school’s band camp, for two weeks, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

“Band camp went extremely well this year,” CHS Band Director Maurice Ellis said. “Even though we had some extremely hot days, we were able to get a lot accomplished.”

Twenty-one of the campers were new members to the band, and the age range for all 55 was 12 to 18.

“Since I teach at both the middle school and high school, I am able to pull kids from both,” Ellis said.

He said campers goals included learning the field show music, drill and routines.

“We learned everything we were supposed to and more,” he said. “A huge ‘thank you’ goes out to the auxiliary coaches, Sierra Hurt and Tacarra Marchman, as well as the hard work and determination of the kids this year.”

The camp involved a consistent routine. Everyone worked out as a group in the mornings.

“We would jog on the track, stretch and then jog again,” Ellis said. “We then would march on the field, the track and the parking lot. We would then go into sectionals where each group worked on the tasks I gave out, whether it be marching, music or routines.”

After a lunch break, campers returned to sectionals and ended the day by working together on the field show.

Ultimately, the camp carries benefits for both the campers and Ellis.

“Band camp teaches kids about teamwork,” Ellis said. “Just like any team, the kids must work together to achieve a common goal, which is putting together an award-winning field show for the 2016 marching band season. As a director, I enjoy seeing the kids work hard and create strong bonds with one another that will last a lifetime. I also enjoy seeing the kids win awards as well. It shows them that working hard does pay off.”