Band Health and Safety
Practicing and performing in marching band can be a strenuous activity. It can also be dangerous if a student is not properly prepared or protected. Parents and band directors should be aware of the health risks associated with playing an instrument in a band and take precautions to keep their students safe.
Getting enough regular exercise is important for maintaininG good health and energy. For many students, participating in marching band can be an effective way to get the exercise they need while having fun and forming social bonds with other members of their school’s music program. Marching itself is a great cardiovascular workout, and the instruments themselves require muscular development through carrying and lifting.
A health and safety officer (Band 6 in NHS nursing grades) has a high level of specialist knowledge and experience across multiple areas, gained through professional qualifications and practical work experience. These are often leadership roles in which employees supervise and guide teams of health and safety specialists.
Concussion Education, Recognition and Management
Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and difficult to identify, especially in young children. This makes it important for students to report any symptoms of a possible concussion to their parent or guardian and a medical professional immediately. It is also crucial that teachers, coaches and band directors are educated on concussion prevention and management.
Marching Bands in Hot Weather
According to a new study, practicing and performing for long periods of time in high environmental temperatures can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses among college marching band musicians. The study was the first to examine hydration, fluid intake and thirst among university marching band musicians who regularly practice and perform in high environmental conditions. It found that marching band musicians are more dehydrated at games compared to rehearsals, likely due to their heavy uniforms that inhibit evaporative cooling and the high environmental temperature.
In addition to the increased risk of heat related illness, there is a significant increase in the amount of noise exposure during marching band performances and practices. This exposure can lead to hearing loss, especially in younger students. In addition to implementing sound reduction measures at venues, schools should encourage their marching bands to engage in regular hearing screenings to identify any early signs of damage.
HEALTH’s fifth album, DISCO4:: PART II is an undeniably accomplished record that suggests the band have outgrown rock, punk, metal, rap and whatever else you might think they’re supposed to be. They’re on the cutting edge, not of a genre but of music itself – a band with an unflinchingly dark vision taking it to places no one has ever been before. band health