JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) – High school bands around the Tri-Cities are gearing up for the school year.

Band camp is in full swing, and band directors are taking precautions to protect members from sweltering temperatures.

Dobyns-Bennett High School and Science Hill High School are both competition marching bands.

“During the first week, we focus heavily on the basics and what we refer to as pre-camp,” explained Science Hill band director Carson Vermillion. “This phase is essentially preparation for the full camp. As the days lengthen, we have more opportunities to work on field formations and brainstorm ideas for a competitive show, aiming to start our initial competitions by the first week of October.”

Band practice at Science Hill runs four days a week from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, they practice from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The band practices outside in the morning and evening, and moves indoors during the afternoon.

Vermillion said the band members are treated like athletes during these long and hot practices.

“Regarding the heat, we adhere to the guidelines established by the athletic association overseeing all Tennessee sports,” he mentioned. “We provide the kids with 15-minute breaks at least once every hour, and every student must bring a water jug outside with them.”

Vermillion also explained that band members are encouraged to wear athletic attire to practice.

The Dobyns-Bennett marching band is also ensuring the safety of its members during practices.

The band typically practices from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and moves inside if temperatures are too high.

Dobyns-Bennett band director Lafe Cook explained that band camp is the most intense rehearsal process before competition season.

“Right now, we’re amidst band camp, which consists of long, intense days where we train new members and attempt to learn as much of the shows as possible,” he stated. “Once school begins, we practice three days a week from 3:15 to 5:15, with occasional Saturday rehearsals as well.”

Cook said that the directors watch the weather very closely during camp hours.

“Every school system has protocols that cause you to evaluate the heat index,” he said. “Once it reaches certain levels, we are mandated to give [the members] water breaks every 20 minutes. And then if it gets too hot, we’re mandated to go inside and call it quits.”

Cook said that parents volunteer to supervise band members during practice.

“We’re very fortunate,” he said. “A team sport often has lots and lots of assistant coaches. A band doesn’t always have that. But we’ve got lots and lots of parent volunteers who are here every rehearsal, one of whom is always a nurse or doctor. That person is on site as a volunteer to be there to deal with students who do overheat.”

Even in these temperatures, Dobyns-Bennett drum major Kerrington Slagle said that the long days are worth it.

“The people are truly dedicated,” she said. “The directors are the most passionate people I’ve ever met, and they make you want to come back for your second day, third day, or for me, my third year of marching band.”

Slagle offered some tips for fellow band members to maintain good health during long practice days.

“Lots and lots of water,” she said. Not only during band camp, but before band camp. Water, electrolytes, liquid IVs, anything you can think of. Making sure you eat a good breakfast with no dairy or grease. Those are some precautions students can take to help prevent heat stroke or any unnecessary stress on their bodies.”