Members of the Isabella marching band are gearing up for football season this week, trying on uniforms and pulling out their instruments.

According to band director Jim Evans, the weeklong band camp is a crucial time for practice.

“We try to get as much of it done before school starts as we can,” Evans said. “This kind of makes or breaks our year. It really kind of sets the tone as far as what we do during football season.”

This week the band will practice basic marching and halftime music.

Since band camp falls in the middle of the summer, band members must cope with the heat.

“We try to do our outside stuff early,” Evans said. “We’ll go out and march early in the morning.”

Evans also said he brings water, makes sure everyone is hydrated and also has breaks throughout the day.

Despite the heat, members showed up bright and early Monday morning, showing dedication that impressed Evans.

“I’m encouraged by it,” Evans said. “They’ve got good attitudes.”

Ashley Cooper has been playing the trumpet in the Isabella band since fifth grade and said she enjoys getting to travel and performing halftime shows.

She said this year, it will be fun to watch her brother play football while she plays in the band.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Cooper said.

However, Cooper and the rest of the band have a lot of things to learn before kickoff.

“So much to learn in so little time,” Cooper said.