I attended a band rehearsal which was held after school on a hot September day.  I was there as a clinician, working with the band on their show.  During the course of the rehearsal, the kids started dropping like flies.  At first a student or two asked to leave the field because they didn't feel well.  By mid-rehearsal there were literally 12 to 15 kids on the sideline.  Granted, it was a hot day, but how was it that all the other students and I were able to perservere and get some work done?

After some questions and general sleuthing, the news came out that most if not all of these "sick feeling" students on the sideline had not eaten lunch.  So they were out in the hot sun after a long school day, trying to rehearse without any fuel in their bodies.  It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the problem then.

Our latest podcast on the Marching Roundtable is about Nutrition.  (Listen at www.marchingroundtable.com.)  Nutritionist Gary Granata talks about fueling your body for success, and primarily about the importance of keeping fuel in your body regularly all throughout the day.  It's true for anyone that they should eat or drink something nutritious every few hours, and they should tailor their input according to what they are about to do.

Marchers need to have adequate fuel in their bodies before they start a rehearsal, and they need to replenish during the rehearsal also.  It's very easy to have sports drinks availalable for breaks during rehearsals, and also some healthy energy bars.  The impact of this nourishment to the productivity of a rehearsal cannot be overstated.

And, of course, the same good fuel is needed before a performance.  On our podcast, Gary tells an interesting story of his work with the Avon HS band and the impact that proper nutrition had on their performances at Grand Nationals!

And finally, make sure that proper recovery takes place AFTER a rehearsal or performance, including some good nutrition to replenish and nourish tired muscles.  Don't overlook this important aspect of your program!  Take note, make plans, and reap the rewards!