Welcome to Gaia! ::

Okay, first up is band camp. Band camp is when you will get to know your new band and learn how to march.
For band camp, you will need beyond any material possession on Earth the following items:
Water
Hat
Sunscreen with decent SPF rating
Water
Sneakers/tennis shoes
Light, breathable clothing (like cotton T-shirts)
Water
Sunglasses
Your instrument
And did I mention lots and lots of water?

Srsly. You may think I'm overexaggerating but water is essential since you'll be outside for hours at a time. It's really easy to get dehydrated and sick while marching even when it's not that hot outside, and especially when you aren't drinking enough water. I'd recommend drinking at least one or two glasses of water a day from now until band camp to keep yourself hydrated, and then bring a large water jug to band camp. A good option is the Camel Pak or similar, where you store water in a backpack-esque with a tube that you can stick in your mouth and drink while you're still on the field.

In band itself, you need to practice hard. You'll be expected to know how to march and how to play your music. If your band requires you to memorize your marching music, memorize it ASAP. That'll not only get you ahead of the game and in a better position to perform, but you'll set a good example to the rest of the freshmen and show the band staff and upperclassmen that you're serious about this.

Above all, you should have a good time. Marching band is an activity that has a lot of hard work leading up to a big payoff. Make friends in the band, don't slack off, follow instructions, and play your best.

Go for it! blaugh

Also yes bring supplies and stuff, thats a given but if your really into it id also start thinking about getting up early and running a few miles to increase your lung capacity, ( this greatly helps while marching, and playing)

It might be a little discouraging at first, but after about a week, you'll fit right in. Hang in there for the first week. I would suggest playing your music a lot over the summer, too. Listen to the drum majors, section leaders, director, etc. They know how to march and it is their job to teach you, too. They should be nice to you, but no matter what, listen to their advice.

have comfy shoes
learn to stand as tall as you can
learn to multi task
practice
listen to head people whether they r cranky or not
try to go through the motions in your head (dont worry if u look stupid for the first few days, bets are there will be actual stupid ppl there to point out instead of you)

first of all you definitly need to have fun. if you dont your not gonna want to good as good.
second listen to you drum major, directors and the upperclassmen. even if the upperclassmen are being jerks just do what they tell you. (unless the directors told you differently) you need their good graces to get you through the year. you do not want to be on their bad side.
thirdly thewater thing is a BIG deal. you need to stay hydrated. we have had three people pass out becasue they didnt drink enough water.
but have fun and it does get easier as you go along. ninja

First off I'll say, like everyone else here, WATER!!! WATER WATER WATER!

And always eat breakfast.
If you don't you'll pass out. (It happened to my friend)
Force it down if necessary,
You won't regret it.

Again, listen to everyone.
They may seem like evil Nazi's
But they really want to help you be good.

Finally,
Don't quit because it's hard,
Don't quit because you think you can't do it,
You reap great rewards in the end

OMG! That's happening to me, too. 'cept both are trying out and the puppet is most likely going to get it. lol! the chick sucks!