Students are reminded of regular campus life as their ears are entertained by the procession of the Herscher High School Band. From July 9-14, Herscher high school hosted a band camp for its students on Eastern’s campus.

“We have been coming down here for the last 14 years in order to get students away from the day to day stuff like doctor’s appointments and jobs,” said Roy Vanmeter, the band director. “By getting them away from home, we can get them to concentrate a little more.”

According to Vanmeter, band members are preparing for upcoming shows in the fall that will include pieces such as “America the Beautiful” and “Blue Shades” by Frank Tichelli. At times, students sacrifice summer recreational fun for long, exhausting hours on the field practicing a piece to perfection.

“The message I try to teach my students is that hard work pays off,” said Vanmeter.

Not only are his students learning the meaning of hard work, they are also building social skills that we’ll prepare them for life outside of a high school band.

“I believe band camp benefits you by building a certain amount of character and learning how to deal with certain types of people,” said junior John Kambie.

Learning to socialize with other band mates is a very significant lesson that Vanmeter wants to instill in his students. He believes that the band will sound better if all are on one accord.

“The band is only going to do well as long as we get along with each other and you can tell in performances,” said Vanmeter. “Getting along doesn’t mean you have to like each other. It just means you have to coexist.”

Herscher band mates had an opportunity to release some steam. Some of the events planned for the students will include a talent show, swimming and bowling.

To Vanmeter, the greatest lesson he wants his students to learn is music cannot only be a fundamental avenue for other areas education, but it can also break barriers of language.

“It is almost like learning another language. Music allows one to learn to express his or herself in a form other than language verbally or visually,” said Vanmeter. “It is a feeling you can get no where else.”