Band Camp 2008

It's that time again. Band Camp. One week during the hottest part of the summer (and usually the most humid). Five days of 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. of marching, drills, music, and comraderie. It is ALWAYS so amazing to see what they can accomplish in those 5 days. The very first year I was almost brought to tears to watch my somewhat uncoordinated (read-can't chew gum and walk at the same time), unorganized (would use a planner at school if he didn't forget and leave it in the locker for the entire school year) and unfocused (forgets the errand he's on upon leaving the room)......to watch him execute a full 10 minute marching routine that includes playing 3 fully memorized pieces of music, marching backwards, forwards, marking time and special little "effects" like hand motions and dance-like moves!! To tears, I tell ya! So, every year, I try to make it to at least one (sometimes 2) days of band camp to watch the progress and of course, document with photos. I also donate some of my time in the kitchen to help prepare and serve the meals that go along with a 12 1/2 hour day! This year the "show" (proper competitive marching band lingo, ya know) is Pictures at an Exhibition. Our band has NEW uniforms this year and that is tremendously exciting all by itself! The music is heavy on percussion (Jake will be challenged) and some changes were made regarding our "pit" (percussion that remains stationery near the drum major tower). It used to be that some 8th graders were recruited (no matter what instrument they played) to be in the pit so that ALL of the high school band members could be utilized on the field. This year-the percussion music is so demanding that only percussionists are in the pit. But, coincidentally, this is also a year that our band is low in numbers and has gaps in some of the sections. So, 8th graders were recruited for the instruments needed and will actually be full fledged marchers! There were only a few, but they were outstanding in their section and bear the load of double duty--they still must fully participate in the junior high band and learn all of the music for their fall concert. Jake did this last year.

My Freshman... where's the drum?

My SENIOR (wow. It's hard to say that!) and Band President.