TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Pride of Arizona marching band is rehearsing up to 12 hours a day at band camp, with about 8 of those hours spent outside.
WEATHER | Extreme heat warnings extended
To manage the conditions, the band takes water breaks approximately every 15 minutes, with longer breaks in the shade when temperatures climb higher.
Angela Cazares, a senior and head drum major for the Pride of Arizona, said the schedule builds endurance for the season ahead.
"If they're able to make it through this, they can do anything in the season, right? This is that endurance aspect, this is all of it, it's rewarding," Cazares said.
Cazares said the band adjusts its schedule based on how hot conditions get.
"We take plenty of water breaks. We space them out so that we'll get a few couple reps in. It also depends on the day, if it's a lot hotter we'll take more water breaks, longer breaks. We'll always encourage them to get in the shade. Give them a little bit more time, get a little bit of wiggle room in," Cazares said. "They're always hydrated, and one of our top priorities is making sure their well-being is also good."
For Paige Epp, a senior and twirling captain, four years of band camp have taught her that the heat never truly gets easier—but that coping strategies improve over time.
"I don't think you ever get used to it, but I think you learn better coping mechanisms and different ways—you know, now going into my fourth year, I kind of know what to expect. I don't know if that's better or worse, but you just wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water," Epp said.
Rehearsals continue through rain or shine, and through the long days, heat, and countless repetitions, the students are building more than a halftime show.
"You won't realize how worth it it is until you go through with it," Cazares said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
