Plan Ahead, Protect Your Skin: A Message from Outrun the Sun

PLAN AHEAD. PROTECT YOUR SKIN.

When you’re preparing for competition, you plan ahead. You practice. You prepare. You stay focused. You work hard to deliver your best performance.

Sun safety should be part of that preparation, too. And not just for the performance, but for your future health.

For marching bands, hours of outdoor rehearsals and performances can mean hours of UV exposure. And while social media may make tanning look healthy, attractive, or even something you should do, the truth is, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is a sign that your skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer—including melanoma.

Whether you’re a student on the field or a director leading the band, protecting your skin should be part of the game plan.

Your Band’s Sun-Safety Game Plan

SUNSCREEN: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 60–90 minutes, especially when sweating. Bring sunscreen to rehearsals and make reapplication part of the routine. There are basically two types of sunscreen: Mineral and Chemical. Mineral sits on top of your skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Chemical absorbs into the skin and should be applied 10 to 15 minutes before going outdoors.

COVER UP: UPF clothing, long sleeves, pants, and hats can provide additional protection from the sun.

FIND SHADE: Whenever possible, schedule breaks in shaded areas or use tents and other shade structures.

PROTECT EYES: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and hats whenever possible.

PLAN AHEAD: When scheduling rehearsals, consider the intensity of the sun and build in shade and hydration breaks.

And remember: Don’t let social media set your sun-safety strategy. Tanning may be trending, but UV damage never goes away.

A little planning now can make a big difference later. Protect your skin today so you can keep doing what you love for years to come.

Plan ahead. Perform your best. Protect your future health.

Learn more about sun safety at outrunthesun.org. As Indiana’s only nonprofit supporting skin cancer education and melanoma research, Outrun the Sun partners with organizations nationwide to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

Ten years ago, Ethan Trace was a high school tuba player in Kennesaw, Georgia. While in high school, he participated in Bands of America Super Regionals and the BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade®.

Before leaving for California, Ethan connected with local Cobb County band kids also performing with the BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade®. One of these performers was Meredith, a color guard captain at the rival high school. The two instantly connected, swapping band stories about traveling across the country, indoor seasons, and everything that comes with being a band kid. Once in California, their bond deepened as they attended rehearsals, leadership sessions, and special outings.

In the months following the BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade®, Ethan and Meredith would hang out every weekend at winter guard shows. Eventually, Meredith went to college out of state, but that didn’t stop their friendship. The two started a new tradition of going to see movies like the Greatest Showman during the holiday breaks.

Now, Ethan and Meredith live in different states and are removed from the band world, but still remain close. Even though Ethan’s band days are behind him, he credits band with shaping him into the person he is today. He would not be as patient, as humble, or as good of a leader if not for his experiences at BOA.

To current and future band kids, Ethan had this to say: “To any current band/orchestra members, enjoy every moment while you can. At least 50% of my core memories came from marching band. Nothing feels quite as exhilarating as spending all that time preparing for a competition and creating that final product.”