Students prepare for a school year of music at Band Camp and Choir Meet and Greet

Greta Cunningham ‘23, Communications Intern
August 18, 2025

Band Camp and the Choir Meet and Greet were held in mid-August and provided students with the opportunity to reconnect, rehearse, and get excited about the coming school year. As group endeavors, both band and choir rely on the relationships between members to make music together. This week’s events gave them the opportunity to welcome new students and strengthen existing relationships in preparation for the year to come.  

Band camp took place on August 5 and 6. On the first day, Band Director Teddy Williams met with individuals and small groups to reconnect with old students and get to know new members. 

“Whether it was seeing old faces or meeting new people, getting to hang out with everyone was a blast!” said Ryan O’Connell, who plays percussion and the oboe in the pep band. “We played games and a little bit of music, but what makes band camp so unique is how energetic it is." 

The following day, the band had a full group rehearsal to prepare for their first performance, which will take place Friday, August 29, during a football game at TCO Stadium. 

“I feel like it shows a sense of care and belonging between members of the band,” Williams said. “Each and every one of them decided to take time out of their summer break and show up for one another. Having a summer program where you can see the passion of your fellow classmates helps build the community that is essential for any strong band program.”

Choir Director Delilah Schuster hosted a meet and greet on August 7. Students played team building games, practiced singing together again, and decorated the covers of the folders that will hold their music throughout the school year. Students who are interested in auditioning for Purple Reign A Cappella also had the opportunity to participate in a trial rehearsal. 

“Fostering a positive community is an important foundation for an effective choral ensemble, so, by making these connections sooner than later, we can hit the ground running with making music together once classes start!” Schuster said. 

In April, the band, choir, and theater will be taking a group trip to New York. Bandcake Breakfast, a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the trip, will take place Saturday, October 4.  

For questions about joining band or choir email twilliams@c-dh.org or dschuster@c-dh.org.