As the fall semester gets closer and closer, some of you may find yourself in the same situation I did two years ago. With a loaded class and extracurricular schedule, I was becoming more and more anxious as to how I would ever be able to manage all my activities and still do well in my classes. However, throughout the course of that semester and all the ones since, I’ve discovered a lot of things that have helped me to succeed in my academic career. Hopefully these things will be of some benefit to you, as well!

Number One: Schedule wisely!

So if you’ve already been through Camp War Eagle, I’m sure you know all too well the chaos of trying to schedule and register for classes. Often times, it’s pressing enough to just get the class you want, let alone in a building that fits well with the rest of your schedule. However, sometimes where the class is located can be just as important as the class itself. If you have class in a location that requires you to pretty much sprint across campus, odds are you’ll be less likely to go. Don’t assume that every section of a class is held in the same building. Many courses are taught in buildings all across campus.

Don’t worry, however, if you do happen to have a schedule that will require some serious trekking across campus. It’s probably a better idea to just go with it, than try to reschedule the class. I walked back and forth all over campus for classes my freshman year, and I’m pretty sure that’s what kept away the freshman fifteen!

Number Two: Know where to go!

Sure you saw pretty much all of campus during Camp War Eagle, but do you think you’ll be able to remember which way to go when you only have ten or fifteen minutes to get there? Probably not. Unless you’re one of those lucky kids who have been visiting campus since birth, you will most likely need to scout out your classrooms before the first day of school. Some building will be pretty easy to remember, but some may not. I’m going to be a junior in the fall and I still get lost in the Haley Center.

There’s always a break here and there during Preseason Camp, so during the free time you have, you could always get a group of fellow freshman together and do a little group search and find for classes. I’m sure some of the upperclassmen in your sections would have no problem at all helping you out, either! Check out the Campus Map if you need to, as well!

Number Three: Actually go to class!

If you’re gonna spend all that time scheduling, locating, and not mention paying for your classes, you might as well go to them. Sure some of them will be boring, and some of them will be early, some of them won’t even take attendance, and some of them will fall at times when you seem to have a million better things to do. However, showing up and paying attention are probably two of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself as a college student.

But what about the G.A.P. policy, can’t I just use that, you might ask? Well, you can….but using up all of your GAPs as a freshman really isn’t wise. You never know what tricky class could be up ahead. My advice is to think of them as a “rainy day” savings…something that you shouldn’t spend unless you absolutely have to!

(Ed. note: Yeah, I’d just like to reemphasize the whole GAP thing. You can use them to avoid having to drop out of college, but otherwise try to act like they don’t exist. Those of you on scholarship especially, just forget it… nobody will look at your adjusted grades; they only care about your actual GPA.)

Number Four: Keep up with important dates!

This one pretty much goes along with what Allison said in the previous post about using a daily planner. Planners are amazing little things that can go a long way when it comes to crazy fall schedules. However, if you’re like me, keeping up with a planner is kind of difficult, too! To solve this problem, I buy the binders with a clear cover, or with the plastic slit that allow for coversheets. Then, when the professor gives you the syllabus, you just slide it into the front or make it the front page of your binder. Now, every time you go to class or study, you have the schedule right there in front of you!

In addition to that, a dry-erase calendar is also really helpful to have at home. With it, you can write down the important dates of practices, exams, and of course football games!!

Number Five: Find a Study Buddy and Use the Library!

First of all, a study buddy does not equal someone you find attractive and/or want to date who just so happens to be in the same class as you, haha. A good study buddy can be a tremendous help when it comes to classes. You never know when you may get sick or just accidentally fall asleep in class (I told you some of them might be boring!). With a reliable study partner, you can be certain to catch up on whatever you may miss. In addition to being a good safety net, your study buddy can be one of the best test preparation tools around. (Don’t be a freeloader, though! Make sure you are just as reliable for your study buddy in case the same thing happens to them!)

So maybe you’re shy? That’s okay, too! Auburn offers Study Partners (a peer tutoring service), as well as Supplemental Instruction (a regularly scheduled, peer-lead review session) that you can use! (Ed. note: Also, if you’re struggling with math, the department usually offers free tutoring in the afternoons. Actually, in general, if you ask around you should have no trouble finding assistance if you need help in any class, whether it’s from a professor, some know-it-all in your class who would love to show off and help you out, or some sort of tutoring/study program put on by the department or a campus organization. Of course, if you can’t find help on your own, ask your favorite R.A.T. Leader, and they can hook you up.)

While it may seem like a hassle to either walk or drive to the library, the benefits that come from it have been pretty impressive for me in the past. At your apartment or dorm, there are tons of distractions (the refrigerator is always a big one for me, haha) that can limit the effectiveness of your study time. At the library, these things are limited and you can more easily focus all of your time on nailing down those History notes for your exam. Also, the Study Partners program is based in the library if you wanted to check that out!

I know this may all seem like a lot to try and remember, but probably my best advice for you guys is to just use common sense when it comes to school. Attend classes, study early, and never be afraid to ask for help. The AUMB has majors of all kinds, and lots of members with impressive GPA’s. With a few good organizational skills and dedication, I know you guys and girls will have no problem at all being successful at Auburn University!

Can’t wait to see you all!
War Eagle!

Hannah

WAR EAGLE!!! Hey, just wanted to take a moment to say hi to all of the R.A.T.s out there who are keeping up with this blog (as well as the Vets who wish they had one when they were R.A.T.s). I hope your summer is going as great as mine is down here at Auburn. I am just taking a couple of classes that I honestly just don’t want to take during the fall or spring, and I am also a counselor for a summer program for incoming freshmen just like you!

I came to Auburn as a Mathematics/Pre-Med and Music Education double major, knowing that I would take my first year of college to hopefully find out exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Luckily, it was clear to me after only one semester, as I absolutely loved going to my music classes and not having too much trouble in them. On the other hand, I absolutely dreaded dragging myself to my science classes and labs. I could just feel that it was right for me to pursue a career in music, and I absolutely love still having that energetic drive to learn new things about it every day and be able to pass it along to the students that I teach.

I have been very fortunate to do many, many things during my time here at Auburn. This may take the entire rest of the paragraph, but here are all of the ensembles that I have participated in here at Auburn: Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Trombone Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, Trombone Quartet, and the list goes on. I’m also very involved with Sacred Harp Singing and helped teach a community outreach course about it. I’ve also played intramural sports just about every semester.

I’ve been very fortunate to have been an Auburn fan all my life, as my dad, sister, and brother all have earned degrees from Auburn. I have been coming to Auburn football games since I can remember, and have been to almost every home game since I was in high school. As a high school band… um… jock (less derogatory than nerd), I would watch the band as they played my favorite songs. I can remember intently watching the drum majors from that era as it has been a dream of mine to be able to serve the AUMB as a drum major.

While I don’t have too many “outstanding memories” or “embarrassing moments” within the band, I’ll tell you my very diverse story of my career in marching band. I came into Band Camp a couple of days late my first two years because I spent those summers marching in a drum corps. Therefore, not only did I not know where my spot would be on the field, but I also didn’t know what instrument I was going to be playing. I spent my first two years officially as a member of The Herd, but I went back and forth playing tuba and trombone, sometimes even swapping instruments between pregame, playing in the stands, and halftime. Because of my ability to move around, I learned over a dozen different pregame spots during my R.A.T. year. Even though I never marched some of those spots in a game, I did show my ability to move around and be able to jump into a spot if I was needed. And while most of you R.A.T.s will find your one pregame spot and it will be yours (or you will trade out with another R.A.T.), I hope that if you are an alternate for that week, you are able to jump in to another spot if somebody else in the band is absent for practice or falls ill.

I thought that once I had earned a position as section leader for the trombone section, I would be done swapping back and forth. However, for one week this past season, there weren’t enough tuba players available to march tuba. However, we had an excess of trombone alternates, and so during the week I switched to tuba for one show and another trombone player took my spot. This again brought about another battle in a war that has now lasted for 3 years as to which section I am truly in and which my heart belongs to… and I expect this year to be no different. Who knows, maybe we’ll be short a piccolo player one week this year and I’ll fill that spot… nah.

In closing, I hope you all are able to take some good advice from this post. One of the things that I stress to not just band R.A.T.s, but all Auburn freshmen, is to get out and get involved in as many things that interest you. As you have learned at Camp War Eagle, Auburn has a countless number of organizations and clubs that you can join. Also, I hope that you have learned that being flexible and keeping a good attitude is a very good quality to have in this band. So whenever you hear that there is a hole in pregame for that day of practice, I hope you are the first one running out onto the field to fill it.

So, I’ll see you all in 6 short weeks. Between now and then, have fun, but also keep preparing for band. Keep playing your horn and keep exercising. Practicing just a little bit per week is more than not practicing at all. And in the words of the late Auburn radio announcer Jim Fyffe, “My time is up. I thank you for yours.”

Let’s face it. College is completely different than high school. You have tests to study for, meetings to attend, notes to copy, food to… “cook”… and Mom and Dad suddenly aren’t around to make sure all of it gets done. Now, don’t panic or go crazy wondering how you will ever survive living on your own. Everyone usually makes it out just fine, and usually better for it. I’m gonna try and outline a few pointers I’ve picked up over the last few years - some that helped me get through the awkward transition phase, and others that I wish someone would have conveniently posted online for me beforehand.

1) Buy a day planner.

I never used one in high school. Thanks to my mother and her amazing ability to keep track of every family members’ weekly schedule I never had to bother keeping up with my own life. I quickly found that in college… I had to do all of that myself! It took a couple of excessively busy days for me to figure out that if I wrote down deadlines and engagements, I was less likely to forget things and overbook myself. Professors will hand out a syllabus on the first day of class. (Even though that’s usually all you’ll do, it’s still very important to be there.) On this syllabus you will find an “Exam Schedule”. COPY THIS INTO YOUR NEW DAY PLANNER. You can even color code classes/events so it makes it even easier to keep up with. Auburn has day planners just for students called “Tiger Cubs”, and they include school holidays and events as well. I think they’re, like, $5 in the University Bookstore. (Ed. note: You can check out the free online version if you’d like!)

2) Get organized.

How you do this is completely up to you, but the sooner you can get your act together the easier things will be. You can do things like getting notebooks for each of your classes. (On a side note: I recommend using 3-ring binders instead of spiral, so you can add paper and handouts easily without them getting out of order.) Also, keep your room clean… well, clean is a relative term, but stay with me. Being organized at home, especially when you study, will help out in the classroom. You’re a lot less likely to flip out when you know where everything is.

3) Relax.

Take it from me. Getting upset and stressed out over tests and meetings and grocery lists will only get you more discombobulated. Take breaks when you’re studying for long periods of time and go outside. Sunlight is good for you. Eat healthy - fast food is not always the best option. Being in a good, calm mental state will help you stay focused in the classroom. All you can do is try your hardest. If you study ahead of time (instead of waiting until the night before) and attend class, you’ll be fine.

4) Get a camera.

Take as many pictures as you can! And when your friends make fun of you for constantly taking pictures, ignore them and take some more. You’ll wish you did. These four (…or five) years will go by so quickly. You don’t believe me now, but next year you’ll be wondering where all the time went. I think one of the best ways to enjoy your time here in Auburn is to get involved. You’ve made a great choice joining the band and you will make so many amazing friends here, but definitely look in to different clubs on campus as well. (You can visit the SGA Orgs website.) We have something for everybody.

College is not something to be afraid of. It’s something to embrace and have fun with. You’re about to embark on an experience which will shape who you are for the rest of your life. This is the last leg before the “real world”, and Auburn is an amazing place to get you ready. The main thing you should remember when coming to college is this: Be responsible. Mom and Dad won’t be here to keep you on track or bail you out of sticky situations. It’s up to you now, and getting in the right mindset early on will make this transition a breeze. Luckily you guys will start the first day of school with 375 friends right there with you. So keep an open mind and get ready to have the time of your life! Preseason Camp is getting closer - - - so get ready. :-)

War Eagle!!
Allison

A typical practice day for the AUMB during the football season is actually a really laid-back process. We work hard and get our job done in as little time as possible usually only an hour a day at mid-day… but that is all different this year because the band class has been moved to late afternoon and runs for 75 minutes Tuesday through Friday. Yep, that means that we have Mondays off!

Here’s a rundown of a weekday rehearsal… a few minutes before band class starts everyone starts meandering up to the band field and gets their horn/drum/flags/batons/selves out and ready for sectional warm-up. Drummers remember, “There’s no drumming on the sideline!!” As soon as the clock hits 3:25 (five minutes until class starts)…

STEP ONE: Sectional Warm-up

This will happen within your section almost every single day. It just so happens that every section gets their own private part of the field to hold sectionals. BE WARNED: Some of the more primitive sections get a little territorial and full caution should be taken when walking nearby. (Ed. note: Crikey!) It is a VERY rare occasion that we skip a sectional warm-up and go straight into the full band warm-up. Speaking of which…

STEP TWO: Full Band Warm-up and Music Practice

We always line up in the same arc every time for full band warm-up because role is easily checked from a standard arc where everyone always stands in the same place. Usually there is some playing of a couple of full band warm-ups, playing through the music a few times, and then some instruction on our next part of practice.

STEP THREE: Halftime Run-through

We always have some part of that week’s show that could use some tweaking. Thus, “Run it back!” is the most popular phrase heard from our directors. Earlier in the week, we may run just part of one song for the whole practice. However as the week goes on practice focus more on full show run-throughs. We also have to use a lot of practice time for learning new drill if there is a brand spanking new show that week. Learning a new show, outside of Preseason Camp, can typically span one and a half to two weeks. and usually is the “meat” of practice while that current week’s show is a quicker run-through.

STEP THREE (ALTERNATE): Preeeeegame!

When it gets later on in the week like, say, Thursday or Friday, the focus in practice may fall to pregame. However, this is usually the main focus on Gameday. Gameday is a totally different blog post in itself, though, so check back later for more on that!

I know what most of ya’ll are thinking. That’s right, I CAN read minds. And it’s alright to be a little freaked out by Preseason Camp. (Ed. note: And by the fact that he can read minds.) It’s a big, daunting task that is hard work. But the rewards far outweigh the struggles that camp provides. Before you know it, you’ll be in uniform parading outside Jordan-Hare on your way to your first game.

So what exactly can you expect at our Preseason Camp? Let me be very clear with this: HEAT. It’s August in Alabama guys; expect to sweat it out in the sun. That being said, it’s important to go ahead and start getting your body used to the weather. If you spend you summer on the couch eating and watching The Office you will regret it when camp gets here. Get outside and get used to the heat, and also drink lots of water. During camp, hydration is key. I suggest getting some kind of water jug to carry with you. I have one that holds about 35 ounces of water and I’ll drink it about four times a day.

The day to day goes kind of like this: R.A.T.s will have R.A.T. Drills at 7:30 every morning, where ya’ll get a chance to get to know one another, play some games, and learn the traditions of Auburn and the Auburn Bands! After that, we will all get started about 8. After some time on the field, we will go to sectionals or group music rehearsal. Next is our lunch break, followed usually by sectionals. You can expect to be on the field till about 8 every night. Almost every day after practice we, as in your R.A.T. Leaders, will have some kind of fun activity planned for everyone. Keep checking the blog to find out what they are going to be this year.

Before you say it, I know, I know, you’re thinking that all this work is insane, but trust me: you can handle it. It’s not as bad as you think. Like I said before, once you start your first game you will totally understand why we do what we do.

So now I get to talk about my favorite part of the AUMB, traditions. We have been around for a long time so there are lots of things that we do just because we have always done them. If you leave something somewhere, expect to jump for it. When we start pregame practice, expect to run it back out of the tunnel over and over (with EXCITEMENT). And we end every day the same way: we all circle up and sing our Alma Mater. Personally, this is my favorite one. It always reminds me that the AUMB is a family, one that I belong to.

So that’s all I got for you guys. Sorry I got cheesy there at the end, but hopefully you guys will find the same excitement in our traditions that I do by the end of camp. So that’s all I got for you guys, keep checking the site and feel free to Facebook me.

War Eagle,
Jake B.

Hey guys!

War Eagle!! I hope you’re having a wonderful summer so far. My name is Karen Kirk, and I am one of the Drum Majors of the Auburn University Marching Band this upcoming marching season. I am a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and I’m also currently doing some really neat undergraduate research here at Auburn in Aeroacoustics: Under NASA’s request, we’re working with the Ares I launch vehicle, predicting the intense sound pressures the thing gives off when it’s launched into space! So, that makes me living proof that you can be a technical major, have some activities on the side, and still be in marching band! If you have questions about how I do it or how it works being a non-music major in the band, feel free to ask me! We’ve got science, math, engineering, pre-med, business, and majors of all kinds marching in the AUMB and performing in the other Auburn Bands and ensembles.

So enough about school stuff for now, because I must admit, most of my heart and my passion goes to the Auburn band. I’ve had the opportunity to march trumpet for three years now, and last year I got to be a section leader. (I love my trumpets!) :-) I’m not gonna lie, that was also a great way for me to get even closer to my 57 trumpet friends!

I have always been a huge fan of the marching band… ever since I was very little, for as long as I can remember, I have been coming to Auburn games and watching the AUMB perform at Tiger Walk to crowds and crowds of fans, march around the stadium before the game, and perform many, many exciting half time shows. Before I even knew what football was, I knew that when I grew up I wanted be a member of the Auburn University Marching Band. (And I’ve grown up with the stories my parents told me of how they met and fell in love with each other in the AUMB!)

When I first came to Preseason Camp, I had no idea what to expect. Well, I did know that my sister was going to be my trumpet section leader, but that’s beside the point. (And she also met her husband in the band… he was a trombone player!) When I got here, though, I found that I easily made a lot of friends, and not just in the trumpet section! I don’t know how much I’m allowed to tell you about the fun activities that are lined up for all of you Rookie Auburn Tigers this year, but I can promise you that there are some awesome events planned, even bigger and better than in previous years. (Ed. Note: Stay tuned for news on this year’s R.A.T. Activities!) And I never thought that I could have so much fun my R.A.T. year of camp!

Then when school actually started, I had made so many friends already (some of them were even in my classes with me). I really did run into them all over campus, just like the upperclassmen said I would. It’s true, there are definitely advantages to being in the largest organization on campus! While all the other students were lost and confused, I already knew the ropes, and then I had band class and all my friends to look forward to at the end of the day!

When I was in high school, let’s be honest, we high school band kids weren’t exactly considered “cool.” But when you get to Auburn, on the college level, it’s completely different. When I walk around in uniform on game day, excited fans come up and cheer “War Eagle!” “You guys are great!” “I love watching the band!” “My daughter just loves hearing you play!” …. That’s what I do it for. Hands down… the adoring, appreciative fans make every moment of my hard work in the heat absolutely, positively worth it.

My favorite marching band memory is probably the pregame show of my sophomore year when we played Florida at our home stadium. It was the first BIG football game that year, and the fans really showed up! You know… our pregame show is something that I can’t really effectively explain to you unless you’ve been there on the field with me. But, I’m going to give it my best shot. I’m standing under the football stadium in the “tunnel,” and butterflies are building in my stomach. I peer out between the stands and see the real live eagle flying high above, circling, as 86,000 fans cheer “Waaaaaaaaaaar Eagle!” Then, our impressive Band Trailer Video booms over the jumbo-tron, and the head drum major marches onto the field, spinning his mace with power and confidence. My pulse is rising, the other band members are cheering and getting pumped, and the crowd is going nuts! Then, we hear “Band… ten hut! ONE!!!” I grab my trumpet tightly, and as the drums beat my line starts running out through the tunnel, joining with other lines of excited band members in our pregame jog. It’s driving, intense, high-energy, and unlike anything else I’ve done in my life! And the crowd is so loud I can’t do anything but cheer and laugh in exhilaration as I run onto the field! Throughout the pregame show, I had so much adrenaline and energy it was absolutely unreal. There’s nothing in the world like getting out there and performing your heart out for such an excited, appreciative audience of fans! The crowd was so intense I could barely hear myself play!

But, it’s something you have to be there to truly understand.

So, in short, if you are still deciding to be in band, I really hope you will give it a try. You’ll take from it friends, stories, memories, and a certain pride in yourself and others that you’ll never forget.

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate one bit to ask me! And if you’d like to hear more awesome stories of why I like band, let me know because I could go on about that all day long. But, I think it’s time to end my post here, thank you for reading it!

I can’t wait to get to know every single one of you! Have a great summer and I hope to see you in just a few more weeks!

War Eagle!!
Karen

So… the History of Auburn. The name “Auburn” implies so much more than just a ‘cow college’. Our Alma Mater is rich in tradition and spirit which has formed the basis of the Auburn Family, and as proud, loyal fans, alumni, and students, I feel that it’s important that we know how it all got started.

But what’s in a name? Auburn was founded in 1857 as the East Alabama Male’s College. Yeah…definitely no chicks (Females went to the Methodist College held in what’s now “Langdon Hall”, which was originally located at the intersection of Gay St. and Magnolia Ave.) At the time, we were considered a Liberal Arts College and were maintained by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The doors officially opened in 1859 and a whopping 80 students were enrolled. (In comparison, we just reached our all-time high this year with 24,000 students!)

In 1872, the East Alabama Male’s College underwent its first name change and became the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. (Ladies and Gentlemen… the “cow college”.) However, this didn’t stick for too long, and in 1888 we became the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. This is probably the one your grandparents went to. And your great-grandparents…if you have a poly-saturated AU Alum family…anyway. (Ed. note: Huh! Biology jokes!) API was quickly becoming a prominent institution – we had our own football team, basketball team, not to mention a marching band (founded in 1897) - but as we know, the only thing constant in the world is change. Thus on Janurary 1, 1960, we became Auburn University. (Coming in a close second was AALGU – Auburn Alabama Land Grand University – thank goodness the alumni hated it enough for one of them to suggest “How about just Auburn?” Kudos to that guy!)

The name Auburn was taken from a poem called “The Deserted Village”, written by Englishman Oliver Goldsmith.

Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,

You should read the whole thing… I won’t go into detail here but it’s about impoverished areas of the English countryside being pillaged and burned by the government. Lovely huh? Anyway…through all of that we came out as Auburn University – a name that now speaks of highly ranked athletic teams, rigorous academic programs, and traditions that survive and bind the centuries. (Ed. note: Click here to read “The Deserted Village” by Oliver Goldsmith!)

Soo… what’s with the pajamas? My favorite thing about Auburn is the traditions. There are tons and tons of fun, crazy things we do because… well… we’re Auburn. For instance – rolling Toomer’s Corner after any Auburn victory. Probably the only place where the local cops will help you roll the trees, Auburn has become known all over the nation for this triumphant proclamation. This famous post-win fun is said to have come from the familiar image of ticker tape from the telegraph machines in Langdon Hall getting stuck in the trees around Samford.

Or what about the Wreck Tech Parade that takes place the Friday night before we play Georgia Tech? All of Auburn wears their best orange and blue pajamas down College Street for a pep rally, songs, and cheers. Back in the day…teams traveled by railway when they played away. Tech would take the train from Atlanta to Auburn, crossing over Glenn Ave and College St. Well, one day, Auburn students are said to have snuck off of campus at night when Tech was expected to arrive, and they greased the tracks so the train wouldn’t be able to stop in town, ending up a few miles past the station! The result: Georgia Tech’s football team had to hike all the way back to town, in their pajamas. It’s a fun story – and there are pictures to back me up… so yeah.

The Sophomore Stump, Tiger Walk, Spirit the Eagle, the Lathe, the Seal (the metal circle kind, not the fin clapping kind)…there are sooo many traditions that you will learn while you’re here at Auburn, and there are a lot of different stories and traditions to learn just within the band – so get ready to have a little fun!

I really could spend all day telling you stories about cows in the bell towers and dead football players under Centennial Gardens… but it really would take me all day. If you want to know more be sure to ask me and I’ll be more than happy to share. You’ll hear a lot of things at Camp War Eagle, and the rest you’ll catch on to as you begin your first year. Soon you’ll be sharing these stories with new students – which is like watching someone open presents all year long… it’s exciting for us as Vets to teach you guys the fun nuances and happenings around Auburn, so at least pretend you think it’s cool. Your kids will someday.

War Eagle guys! Be expecting some more blog posts soon! Also, feel free to email or Facebook me and say hey. :-)

See you soon!!

Alli

Mini-Camp Schedule