Oklahoma high school marching band makes adjustments amid heat

It's not only football players or fall athletes who are feeling the heat.

It's not only football players or fall athletes who are feeling the heat.

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It's not only football players or fall athletes who are feeling the heat.

Officials at an Oklahoma high school said their marching band had to make adjustments Friday to make sure students don't get overheated.

It's not only football players or fall athletes who are feeling the heat. Students who perform with the high school marching band are also having to take precautions to stay safe in the high temperatures.

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"In rehearsals right now, I know all the band wear hats, sunscreen, and adequate water and shade getting ready for games starting tonight," said Diana Williams, the fine arts facilitator for Midwest City-Del City Schools.

Even though the uniforms are made of lighter fabric, school officials said they are still made with dark colors and pose an overheating risk.

"The fabric weight is not so much the concern. They are black, which does draw in heat, but it's the level of activity that they’re doing while they’re on the field," said Williams.

While getting ready for football games and other performances, the band practices before school starts, wearing shorts and t-shirts while taking many water breaks. Just like other sports and activities, they have had to change their practice times and performing times, as well as how they manage the heat.

"With this heat that’s happening right now, we’ve all had to make adjustments with sharing the stadium with all the fall sports that use the stadium, as well," said Williams. "So everyone is working together to ensure everyone gets time in the stadium."

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