Union High School marching band adapts rehearsals for Oklahoma heat safety

With summer heat still baking Oklahoma and the school year just around the corner, Union High School’s marching band is working to balance intense rehearsals with keeping students safe.

The program’s leaders say heat safety isn’t just about water breaks—it’s a well-planned strategy to make sure students can perform at their best without risking their health.

Gradually adjusting to the heat

Union Director of Bands Charles Pisarra says the district uses an acclimatization plan that slowly increases the amount of time students spend moving and playing with their instruments outdoors. This is especially important for those carrying larger instruments, which can be more taxing in high temperatures.

“Having an acclimatization plan and sticking with it, really keeping students prepared in advance, like hydrating a week in advance before we ever get started and taking care of their bodies with the strength training program, really being ready for those moments in advance is key to our success,” Pisarra said.

Using indoor facilities to avoid peak heat

When afternoon temperatures rise, the band moves practices into the school’s multipurpose activity center or other indoor spaces. Pisarra says this flexibility is possible thanks to community support and the school’s strong facilities.

“So when the afternoon heat gets pretty intense because the morning is not too bad, we are able to be indoors for most of our afternoons,” he said.

🔗 Oklahoma heat safety tips: How to spot and prevent heat-related illness

Emergency plans in place

All Union band staff undergo annual safety training to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. Emergency action plans are in place, including having tubs of ice water ready at all times in case a student overheats.

Long days, careful pacing

The band is currently participating in a two-week summer rehearsal program, with practices taking place daily from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. That schedule is carefully balanced between outdoor field work, indoor rehearsals, and recovery time to keep students healthy.

Union also uses technology to track weather and field conditions to make sure it's safe to practice. This includes using an app that has a wet bulb index, which factors in temperature, humidity, cloud cover, wind and puts it all into a formula. The index of those factors determines when it's going to be too hot outdoors.

If a student starts to struggle with the heat, they will get pulled off the field and into the shade with some water immediately. Pisarra said they will monitor the student and move them indoors if necessary to continue to cool down.

Back-to-School Stories:

🔗 School start dates across Tulsa County and surrounding areas

🔗 Q&A: What you need to know about Union Public Schools' new transportation plan

🔗 Back-to-school shopping tips: BBB warns of online scams, shares ways to save

🔗 Back-to-school checklist: Tips for a smooth transition

🔗 Tips to help kids adjust sleep schedules ahead of school