NORMAN — As Oklahoma endures prolonged triple‑digit temperatures, the University of Oklahoma’s Pride of Oklahoma marching band is adapting how it rehearses, dresses and cares for members to reduce the risk of heat‑related illness while preparing for the upcoming football season.
Training around the thermometer
Band director Brian Britt, who has led the ensemble for 25 years, said the program emphasizes education on hydration, nutrition and rest as the foundation of its approach. Rehearsals are deliberately structured to avoid extended exposure during the hottest parts of the day.
"When it's super bright, we'll spend like 15 minutes in direct sunlight. Then spend some time in shade in small groups," Britt said, describing how practice blocks alternate between high‑intensity instruction and rest in cooler areas.
"We're kind of painting the picture that we're here having fun, even though we're, you know, probably sweating or just kind of dying from the heat," said drum major Christian Rosales.
Medical support and results
The band has a staffed medical team from the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing on site during rehearsals. Britt credited that presence, along with the preventative measures, with a dramatic drop in heat‑related medical responses.
Medical staff on hand: University of Oklahoma School of Nursing team
Reported impact: a reduction in heat‑related medical responses of about 90%, according to Britt.
| Mitigation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Staggered practice times | Limit continuous sun exposure |
| Shade breaks | Lower core temperature, allow recovery |
| On‑site medical team | Immediate assessment and care |
| Hot‑weather uniform options | Increase airflow and comfort |
Uniforms and acclimatization
Members said outfits are adjusted for heat. Drum major Christian Rosales noted the band uses a hot‑weather option — a sleeveless vest with the OU logo — paired with white undershirts to maximize airflow. That choice, band members said, helps make long outdoor sessions more tolerable.
Acclimatization plays a role, too. Students reported that repeated rehearsals under similar conditions help them better tolerate the heat on game day. "We've been out here rehearsing, so we've become acclimated to like the heat, as well as what's expected of us," Rosales said.
Culture of safety
Band members and staff emphasize a permission culture for rest: taking a break is acceptable and encouraged. Andrew Skelton, a band member, said there is no stigma attached to pausing for recovery.
"There's no shame in taking a break if you need it," Skelton said, reflecting a broader shift in athletic and performance programs toward prioritizing participant safety during extreme weather.
Practical steps for students and volunteers
The band's approach mirrors best practices promoted by public health authorities for preventing heat‑related illness. Key actions include:
- Hydrate before, during and after outdoor activity.
- Wear lightweight, light‑colored clothing that allows airflow.
- Schedule intense work for cooler periods where possible.
- Use shaded or air‑conditioned breaks to reduce core temperature.
- Know signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; seek medical help if symptoms appear.
For students participating in outdoor programs across the state, OU’s example underscores the value of planning, education and on‑site medical support as temperatures rise.
Gameday readiness
Despite the heat, band members say the adrenaline and excitement of game day help fuel performance. Vocal leadership from staff and student leaders, combined with practiced routines for safety, aim to keep the Pride of Oklahoma ready to take the field even during extreme heat.
As Oklahoma’s heat wave continues to strain municipal water systems and outdoor work routines across cities, the band’s adjustments offer a microcosm of how organizations are responding to prolonged high temperatures: more planning, more breaks, and more medical oversight.
— Wesley Hargrove, State Correspondent
