Medals Everywhere!

It was pretty cool to see all the kids with their medals on at school today. They looked pretty happy. I hope they realize that the work for the year is not over. We have a lot about music to learn. I hope many of the kids try out for region band not because it is not just a chance to torture their band director for a weekend but because that is how the band will get better. I challenge the band to be the first in their class to go to concert festival in grade 6. We will also continue our improvement of the colorguard through regular rehearsals. Tomorrow we begin to work on our concert band. It shouldn't be too hard though as we put music first all thoughout the marching season. Somebody asked me to be sure to continue the blog even after marching season. You bet it will continue. Just wait until you hear us play while we aren't marching 87 pages of drill!

P.S. I may wear the guard outfit for a very brief time with no warning. Remember the deal was if the band won I would have wore it all day today. No cameras or recording devices will be be allowed!

2nd in the State...1st in my heart!

Swansea Tiger Marching Band 2006 Lower State Champions and 2006 South Carolina Marching Band Runners up at State Finals.

Way to go! I am so proud of not only your accomplishments but how you did them...With style and class.

Some Final Thoughts

Saturday, October 28th is the day we have waited for. This is our chance to show the entire state that we are one of the best that South Carolina has to offer. I write this before the results of state have been announced and even before our final rehearsal. No matter what the outcome of today’s state finals, it has been an amazing season. It has been amazing in a lot of ways. Perhaps the most notable thing that has occurred has been that we have overcome so many set backs, but never lost sight of the goal. We were second after our first contest to a very clean band for Sept. 23rd, but we didn’t give up. The next weekend is where the doubts could have defeated us. We were third at two different contests, and it would have been very easy to give up. Honestly, I was concerned about what kind of band would show up to rehearsal that next Monday. A determined band was the result. Sure it was disappointing when it happened, but nobody even thinks about now. We used our defeats to make us stronger and better. The next weekend we went to Wando for our toughest panel of judges yet. We won. This was some reward for hard work. Then it happened, we seemed like we were getting worse! Remember, I told you right before something gets really good, it seems like it is going to fall apart. And fall apart it did for almost a week. But we kept pushing through and then it happened. On Saturday morning October 21st, we came together. We didn’t worry about the other bands, but did it our way. Today we perform in the spot we earned, the top seed in the lower state.

We have leaned much this season but most of all we learn to trust each other. I think the band has learned to trust me and I have learned to trust them. Only if we work together can true accomplishments occur. At this point, I don’t know how today will turn out. Perhaps we will be the state champions or perhaps not. Either way we are winners. We are the 2006 Lower State Champions. Nobody will ever be able to take that away from us. If other bands scored higher than us today, congratulations to them. They will be hard pressed to do it again, as we will graduate a senior class of only 5 students and will only get better during the concert season. If we do happen to achieve the ultimate goal today, be prepared for the dynasty which may follow, but be prepared to work for it every day. It is perhaps our greatest accomplishment that this year brings hope for the future of our band program. A band program that is centered on music and individual responsibility.

On a final note, be humble and considerate no matter what. Take pride in what you have accomplished, but do not defend yourself from the ignorant. Use that energy into making yourself better.

Simple Gifts: The Road Home. It was written for the Swansea Tiger Marching Band and is about them as well. We certainly have found our way home though simple gifts. Hard work, trust, and music.

No matter what the outcome, our journey is not ending, but is only beginning. I am proud to be the director of the Swansea Band program. If we achieved our goal today, it will be the first of many. If we fall short, don’t dwell on it too long. I know the perfect cure…The success that will surely follow us for years to come.


Maybe good things come to those who wait, but the best things come to those who seize the moment and make it their own.

Tonight's a Rain Out!

Sorry but conditions did not allow us to perform tonight. I am disappointed that the home crowd won't get to see before State Finals. I know they would have enjoyed it, but the weather just did not have that in its plans. I hope everybody is at home warm and dry and getting some rest. We will have a very mentally challenging day tomorrow. If the band plays on the field like they did today at our music rehearsal, we may be hard to stop. The rain is supposed to stop at about 3:00 a.m. and it should dry out pretty quickly. It was nice to have some time tonight with the kids to kind of relax and just have some fun after rehearsal eating pizza. All the work is done at this point and I think everybody is very confident in what we have done this year. Tomorrow is the day we have waited for. Some of us have waited longer than others. Some of us 25 years. You figure that one out.

Counting Down the Hours

We are now less than 48 hours from our chance to win state. We still have two more short rehearsals though. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, but it should all be gone by Saturday. I feel like we leaving nothing to chance. I know we are trying as hard as we can to be the best we can. I really don't have much to say tonight except that I feel like we are ready. We are much better than we were even a week ago. Sometimes it is just time to stop talking and just do to it. I think the time is now.

Not Much of a Chance?

That is what they are giving us to win state. All I hear about is how lower state was just a fluke and the competition is going to get us this weekend. Lower State was not a fluke! It was a result of a lot work, dedication, and trust. Not only trust in me as a band director, but also my trust in the band. Here is the problem (problem for other bands!). We are still getting better. Every run, every step, every note is better than the one before it. The guard continues to get better every moment. I am glad we have another day to prove that there were no mistakes at lower state. Most bands are looking for things to do better at this point. We just keeping getting better. Let them think we don't have a chance! There is not one band in the state that deserves more. We are not leaving it to chance! We are working for it! I don't know if everything will work out to our winning state, but I do know we are going for it...Our way. Some people thought Swansea's best days were behind them. They are not. We are continuing to build on the tradition. This is only the beginning of something that soon the entire country may know about. South Carolina is a small state and we have bigger goals in mind, but for now stay focused on the goal at hand. What is the goal? To be the best we can be!

I told somebody how ready I was for this weekend, and they had the best quote. "I feel like a kid waiting on Christmas!"

Yep. You know something good is coming. It is only a matter of time.

A Tuesday that Worked?

Tuesday's are notorious for being our worst rehearsal day. Today was different. We really got some things done. The opener is finally getting clean. Thursday is the closers turn. There is rain in the forecast but hopefully we will get some time outside in. I know I haven't really commented on last Saturday but I will when the season comes to an end on Saturday. I just really want to stay focused on Finals at this point. It was really cold again today. Even colder than yesterday but at least I wore jeans today. I nearly froze yesterday! The kids have really stepped it up this week. We seem to still be off the radar as far as being a contender for the state championship. That is fine with me.

I gave the kids a sheet called "So You Want to Win State?" today with lots of things we need to do to have a chance. Kids, please don't give those sheets to anybody in other bands. That is the real stuff and for you only. Parents, of course you can look at it.

Tomorrow is our afternoon off but not really. Not if we want a chance to win it all. Tomorrow is individual practice day!

I Told You!

I warned the kids back in July before we ended the marching season they would be complaining that it was cold. I really didn't hear much complaining except from me about being cold, but it was cold. Today was a good day to be in band at Swansea. A lot of people congratulated us and it was pretty neat. At rehearsal it was back to work. I can guarantee that every band in the state is after us now. Especially the ones that we shocked on Saturday night. It will take a lot of personal attention to detail by every student to have a chance at the state title this Saturday. Excellent bands are very happy that they made state and that may be enough of a reward for them. But the great bands are not revealing in their accomplishments so far but are looking ahead to state finals. In order to win state, we must get even cleaner, play better, and really perform. We have our chance to get it because we earned it. Every student must practice the small things that we talked about at rehearsal today. It is really up to the individuals at this point.

OK. Here is something really important. We do have a colorguard outfit in my size in the uniform room. I would really like to be required to wear it next Monday (and not because I like to wear colorguard outfits). So if you want me to wear it, everybody has to work really hard this week. To the parents, encourage your children to fix the little things. To the students, fix the little things. To anybody else that happens to read this blog, wish us luck and say a little prayer at about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday.

P.S. Scott, we will go fishing soon. Just think about the honor of fishing with the State Champion band director as you throw fish scales on me.

Information Sheet for the Week of October 23 - 28

Rehearsals: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Football Game: 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 27 versus Chapin
Dress: Full Uniform
Report Time: 6:15 p.m.
Performance: Half-time
Chapin’s Performance: Post Game
Dismissal: 10:45 p.m.

South Carolina AA Marching Band Championship at Batesburg-Leesville High School on October 28, 2006

Report to the stadium: 10:00 a.m. for rehearsal
Lunch provided: 11:05 a.m.
Change into uniforms and eat: 11:15 a.m.
Depart for Batesburg-Leesville: 12:00 noon
Arrive at Batesburg-Leesville: 12:45 p.m.
Warm-up: 1:30 p.m.
At the Gate: 2:40 p.m.
Competition Performance: 2:45 p.m.
Load equipment and hats: 3:10 p.m.
Awards in Full Uniform: 4:00 p.m.
Depart Batesburg-Leesville: 4:45 p.m.
Return to Swansea: 5:30 p.m.
Dismissal: ???????????

We will rehearse Saturday before the competition. We will be dressing at Swansea before we leave. Lunch will be provided for you. Please be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Be in the stadium on time. Do everything you can to make sure we have a chance to win it all Saturday. There is a full retreat for awards. Everybody will be on the field in uniform for the entire awards ceremony. This needs to be the best week of rehearsals ever.

Never trade what you want at the moment for what you want the most.

Congratulations!

Swansea Tiger Marching Band 2006 Lower State Champions

A Crazy Day

Today was strange. Lots of rumors floating around the old campus today. Just for some clarification, we are not regulated by the high school league in reference to the attendance policy of sports. We are not a sport and we are not extracurricular. We are co-curricular.

Tomorrow is the day we have worked for along time. We began rehearsals 12 weeks ago to the day. Perfection has been our goal all along. Tomorrow we get to chase after it on an even playing field with the rest of AA lower state. That's the thing about lower state competition, you usually get what you deserve. We need a nice controlled run with perfection being in the back of our minds as the goal. I will again post one of my favorite quotes to perhaps give some insight to how I feel:

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Lonely Days

Lately, I have had some pretty lonely days as a band director. I really don't have much contact with the rest of the school , but it seems this week the students, too, have not wanted much to do with me. It gets lonely in my office. I have always had an open door policy (of course you have to knock). Now...I know I push them further than they really want or expect but I really want to see them succeed. Perhaps I want them to succeed too much. Lately it seems many of them are taking my criticism and demands of perfect as personal insults. This is not the case. As a band director, my job is usually to find mistakes as if a judge would. It seems that in today's society to point out flaws and to be critical is deemed as being mean or rude or even worst saying "You don't respect me!"

I really like my kids at Swansea, but I must admit I think I like them more than they like me. That's is ok I guess. It is just new to me. I really think that for a band to be successful the students, the parents, and the directors all have to work together. There can be no us against them type of things. Unfortunately, many people have the perception that all teachers are out to get the students. I can not have success in my career if my students are not successful. How would you like to turn over the future of your job to a bunch of teenage kids? I do point out errors and I often point out the individuals that make them. I guess that is not politically correct but then I have never been accused being that anyway.

I am tough but I try to be fair. I am may not always be equal either. I except more from the students that I feel should be able to produce a higher level product.

Well anyway, I guess I am done with my pity party and I will move on. I just wish that my students would understand that it is not personal when I point them out or put them on the spot. I just want them to be the best they can be. In general, people will not push themselves to high levels of performance. They usually need something to push them or some sort of incentive. I think I offer both.

Lower state is upon. All will be told in about 48 hours. Something really nice happened today. My principal came to practice to wish the students good luck. This is the first time in all my years of band directing that this has happened. I know it meant a lot to the kids, but it meant a lot me to know that the band was important enough for him to come out.

Looking Back

I looked back at some of my earlier posts and we have overcome a lot of obstacles this year. Let's not give up yet. Marching band season is not a sprint to the finish. It is a marathon. Only the strong will survive.

I'll Try to Do Better

I didn’t get as much back from my job today as I put into it. It seems that, maybe, I just expect everybody to want things to go well as badly as I do. I was asked in a job interview one time what my biggest obstacle was as a band director. That one was easy. I said “I want to do well more than anything and I have a hard time dealing with the fact that not everybody wants to do well as badly as I do.” I got the job.

So today I felt underpaid. Why? I didn’t make a cent less or more than any other day. Anybody that is a state employee understands that. We don’t get bonuses for good performance nor do we get docked for poor performance. So how was I underpaid? My payment comes from the success of my students. One of my greatest joys in band directing comes from seeing my student’s faces when they achieve something great. Maybe it’s just getting an A on a really hard playing test. Maybe it is when they get their named pulled from the box and they really play it great. Maybe it is winning a competition. All these things help make my job worthwhile. I have to admit that there are somethings that hurt me like seeing disappointment in their faces when they really deserved better. But hey, that’s part of life.

Today I had many things planned to perhaps help us get a better score at lower state. Unfortunately things did not seem to be in place for these things to happen. I have a plan each rehearsal to allow the students to improve. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. Today it did not. I will try to do better Thursday. Perhaps it is time for me to shut up and let them work it out. I believe I have said it all at this point.

The Countdown is On!

I seem to remember saying back in July "You'll be looking for this time in October!" Guess what? We are looking for it. Rain is in the forecast for all day tomorrow, and we have work to do. Hopefully we will be able to get out some tomorrow. It will not be the end of the world if we can't. I can work on music for days, but we really have more cleaning to do. After we got going today, things went well. We seemed to get a lot done in a very short time. We have to continue on this track. There are a lot of uncertainties involved at lower state but is not doubt. We will go into this weekend knowing that we did everything we could to be perfect in October. Today every students raised their hand again to the ultimate question. "How many of you are willing to do what it takes?" Again the response was unanimous.

There are only two more full rehearsals until lower state. Are you willing to do what it takes over the next two rehearsals? I hope so because I am! Now where should we put that snare drum after we perform on Saturday? Back on the truck? Or should we keep it close? I'll let you know later.

Information Sheet for the Week of October 16 -21

Rehearsals: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Football Game: We will not be traveling to Strom Thurmond.

Lower State AA Marching Band Championships at West Ashley High School on October 21, 2006

Report to the stadium: 12:00 noon for rehearsal
Lunch provided: 1:30 p.m.
Depart for West Ashley: 3:00 p.m.
Arrive at West Ashley: 5:00 p.m.
Dress at West Ashley: 5:30 p.m.
Warm-up: 6:15 p.m. p.m.
Competition Performance: 7:15 p.m.
Change out of Uniforms and load equipment: 7:45 p.m.
Return to Stadium to watch other bands: 8:15 p.m.
Awards: 10:00 p.m.
Depart West Ashley: 10:30 p.m.
Return to Swansea: 12:15 a.m.
Dismissal: 12:30 a.m.

We will rehearse Saturday before the competition. We will be dressing at West Ashley. Lunch will be provided for you but you may bring a small amount of money. Please be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Do everything you can to make sure we are the best we can be Saturday. You must bring your show shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes with you as we will change. As always, we will stand at attention during the awards ceremony. This is the weekend we have been working for all year. Remember if we don’t have a great show, there will be no show next weekend!

Never trade what you want at the moment for what you want the most.

We need donations of water and drinks for competitions!

One More Week!

We have one more week until lower state competition. Rain is in the forecast for most of next week. It should be interesting to see if we can get it all together. We have really been working hard. We have the weekend off and even a day off tomorrow. That is by design so hopefully everybody will get some rest and feel great for a really important week of rehearsals. I am really tired and haven't felt well most of the week so this will be a short blog. Kids, get ready to rehearse in the rain next week. Remember if we don't have a great week of rehearsals...we won't have to worry about rehearsing the next week. Have a great weekend everybody!

The Last Section

I have been waiting for a while to do the last section of the band. The drum majors. They are what truly makes my job better. I have had other drum majors, but these are the ones I have wanted for a long time(no offense Thomas, You are my boy!). My current drum majors are what every director would love to have. They give up the showmanship for musicality. They did win last weekend and I am happy about that, but I did warn them that my drum majors rarely win the caption, but often win the music. That is what it is about....the music. I have told them from the beginning that at state competitions there is no drum major caption...just music. Believe me, these drum majors get it! My drum majors always hear more that I say than anybody else at a competition. My drum majors take a lot of stuff from me but we seem to bond in the end. I am truly fortunate to have the drum majors I have this year. I hope they remember me as I will always remember them!

Hard Times

These are the hard days of rehearsal. Lots of reps and not much apparent improvement. Just remember when you feel like you are not getting anywhere and you just feel like giving up...That is when you are about to get really good! The problem is that this is when most people give up. But this is good for the people that keep pushing. They are about to find the success they crave. We are working really hard and even getting along well with each other. This is the time of the year that some bands have trouble and everybody is getting on each others nerves. This may be going on in my band, but I haven't seen it and it has yet to affect us. For that I am thankful. We must keep pushing through the hard times to get what we want most. I am glad the kids have a three day weekend. They seem a little tired. Hopefully, they will rest up and be ready to go for lower state. Remember the good bands have won their contests already and are content. The great bands are just about to start their real competitive season.

In the Flow of Things

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote a book several years ago named Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. The jest of the book is that people will do just about anything to get back to the feeling of being truly successful. Today my band was in the flow. They worked really hard to have a chance to get the feeling of success again. I hope they get what they deserve. We shall see in two weeks. It rained on us a little today, but we made our goal anyway. Some of the kids were in a car wreck today, but they are fine and should be back at rehearsal in no time. I am glad it was nothing more serious.

I highly recommend the fore mentioned book. It is pretty much how I build my bands. Maybe I shouldn't give a secret away, but then again everything you give away will come back to you later. It made me feel good to see the kids admiring their trophies today. They left their mark at Swansea that will last a longtime.

Smooth as Glass!

That is what happened yesterday! We were ready and had done the work, and it all came together at a major competition. No we did not hide in the woods of South Carolina's band competitions yesterday. We went to the toughest one with the toughest judges we could find and we WON IT ALL! And more. We scored higher than some of the best band programs in the state even though they were later in the day than us! (Notice I did not say BEAT! We scored higher on this day). Here is another cool thing. All the directors were really nice to each other and even congratulated each other on their accomplishments. Something really cool happened too. There was a judge's critique. We got to talk to the judges. I can not tell you how impressed I was with the Wando band director for arranging this. Not only did these give us scores, they had to tell us why! This may have been the best non BOA/DCI show I have been to (maybe better).

Now here is something really cool that happened. My wife was with me all day. From beginning to end. I don't know many women that would do what she did yesterday. And to top it off, she went with me to the judge's critique as a full member of my staff. Why not? She is a full member of my staff and always will be. It is strange that she gets this band stuff so right. She even made comments to the judges that were thought full and well thought out. I was impressed and really happy to have her at my side all day.

My booster club is amazing, and here is the thing. They are getting better each week! When I say things were smooth as glass, I mean especially them. They were awesome! I hope they don't have tummy aches from their dinner!

Now about the stars of the day. The students! They were absolutely great. They win and lose the same way. With class. I don't know if I have ever been so touched as to know they won it all but their question was..."Did we do good?" I knew they liked me to say they were doing well but yesterday was something new. They wanted me to tell them they were good. They were not good...They were great and a step above the rest! I congratulate each one of them. I was so proud to be their director as I have been for a long time. I am not just glad we won but also in the way we did it...Our Way! We put music first! And it worked.

I don't know what the next two weeks hold for us, but I know we will work as hard as possible to make state but what is the goal? Shouldn't something be said for a group that works so well together and has fun while doing it? I think we have made one goal for sure.

We have become a family of success. Not success that anybody else has to tell us about. We won before we ever got on the buses yesterday.

Thank you to everybody that made things a success yesterday. Live it up today, because tomorrow...Well you know. Don't you? Back to work! But for today we should walk a little taller and talk at little louder because WE EARNED IT!

That's What I am Talkin' About!

Easy rewards are not the ones that are worthwhile. It's that ones you wait for the really count! Way to go! You should be proud because you made a big noise in the lower half of the state tonight. More will follow later, but I thought you should know I was so proud of everybody even at 1:30 a.m.

Reality Check

Here is some sad news. One the best bands in the state will NOT have the opportunity to perform at the state finals. Why? How could this be? Well here it is. For the past 4 years the same 6 bands have made state finals from lower state AA. Now we have an addition. The lower state AAA champions. They have been moved down to AA. My own band probably should have been moved up to AAA but due to a rather strange rule change we did not move and another good school moved down. Over the past 4 years the same 6 bands have been duking it out. One year only 3 points separated 1st from 6th. We would all go to state and mix things up. One year the fifth place lower state band was 4th at state and the 4th place lower state band was 5th at state. It was always very close but there was no doubt who the bands were that should go to state finals. That will be different this year. Who ever the 7th place AA lower state band is will more than likely be a top 10 band in the state but they will never get to find out. They will not get to perform at the state finals. There should be a better way. Here is one solution.

Why not let everybody go to state every year? All of the AA bands could go to one site and compete head to head on one day. They could then call them all out in order of placement and crown a state champion. That way everybody could at least say they had the same chance to win it. Some say that would be too long of a day. It would not be any longer than the day now. 30 bands with 15 minutes would take 7.5 hours. Add a lunch break and you have 12:00 noon through 9:00 and it would be done and everybody would get to go to state finals. Why does this not happen? Money. I will just leave it at that. The almighty dollar will keep this from happening.

I really don't think that it will be fair to the 7th place band at lower state but then again a lot of things are not really fair in the real world. I just hope I won't be blogging on Oct. 28th because I have some free time.

We have got get clean to keep that from happening. We have 2 weeks! Our new way of cleaning drill is working but man is it tiring on the kids! We're getting there!

The Band Muscle!

"But there are no more sections in the band. You have covered them all." Not quite. We have 5 young men that are our student pit crew. They are an interesting bunch. Right after school began, I put out a notice that I was looking for some students that would be willing to help with equipment and travel with the band. I really did not expect anybody to come. But they did. These guys are great! They come to every rehearsal and help us with equipment and just about everything we need. They also come to football games and competitions. Make no mistake they are not extras. They are every bit a part of the band as any other students. There are a couple that have had discipline problems in the past, and I was even warned about a few. I gave them a chance and they are great. I really appreciate them in many ways. Maybe nobody else ever gave them a chance to be successful.

This brings up an interesting point. I have throughout my career always been one to give kids a chance that maybe just never had one before. I just feel like my bands have a place for everybody. I don't know how many band fees I have paid for or how many instruments I have given away but I do know it is worth it to see them succeed in something. I once marched a student that has one leg longer than the other. No judge ever commented. I had a pretty bad alto saxophone player and gave her a baritone saxophone only to see her shine. I have taught more kids than I will ever be able to count or remember private lesson for just one thing in return...Their best! Even little Henry needed a chance. If you look at his picture above you may notice he has some scars and his ears are a bit short. He lived most of his life under means and had to fight for his life everyday. Most would not want a dog that had been marred like that. Not us, we love Henry just the way he is. He just needed a chance to give away as much love as he could.

Monday morning after finishing 3rd at two competitions to tough competition I found myself wondering what to say. I just simply wrote something on the board and everybody was all smiles for the rest of the day. It is a quote and not one I found in a book. It is below and it applies to all my students...Past, present, and future:

"Your best is and always will be good enough for me."

Brady

Evil in the Blog World

It seems some people are upset about my blog. This blog is intended for me and the people that would like some insight to high school band directing. It is meant as nothing more or nothing less. I also use it as a means to express to my band what I am thinking and feeling throughout the year. I am sorry some have chosen to interpret it otherwise. I thought about just closing it down and not blogging any more but by the amount of hits it receives somebody is reading it so I will continue. My best friend is in a top administrative position in a smaller town and also had some controversial over his blog as well. Blogs are just that little notes about how somebody is feeling and maybe they get out a little of information too. I will not quit blogging! This is my area to post what I feel and is just that.

As for band, today we learned a new trick and I am an old dog so that breaks one myth! Kids don't tell our new secret weapon (unless of course it ends up not working! Then you can tell everybody!) I got a feeling things are going to be ok. Remember if you keep doing something the same way, you will get the same results. Today we stopped doing things the same way.

What happened to Fall?

It was summer again today. I like it hot! Our band does well in the heat too. It is pretty strange. Today was a good day and a pleasant surprise. I thought we might have some morale problems with two 3rd place finishes on Saturday. We did not. Every student was present and worked very hard. They seem to get it. All these pre-state contests are fun, and it is really cool to win them but it is Lower State and State that matters most. If it was up to me we would go out of state to two BOA contest and then just show up at state. We have got to get clean to have a chance. My assistant said today "we could do 20 pages less of drill and still have the toughest drill in the state!" That may be true but at least for this year we have to clean it. We are playing well and will continue to build on that aspect, but we have to learn to march. Intervals and step offs are the key.

I am very proud of the attitude of my students today. It means we are growing up as a band and a band program. This means more to me than a win at a local competition. Thank you to them for that.

Tomorrow we have a new strategy to clean the drill. Get ready kids I think you are about to get a lot better really quick.

Below is this week's information sheet.

Information Sheet for the Week of October 2 - 7

Rehearsals: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Football Game: Friday, Oct. 6 at home versus Airport – Homecoming
Report Time for Game: 6:15 p.m. in full uniform
Performance: After the game
Dismissal: 10:45 p.m.

Lowcountry Invitational Marching Band Festival at Wando High School on October 7, 2006

Report to the band room: 11:00 a.m.
Depart for Wando: 11:30 a.m.
Arrive at Wando: 2:00 p.m.
Dress at Wando: 2:30 p.m.
Warm-up: 3:30 p.m.
At the Gate: 4:35 p.m.
Competition Performance: 4:45 p.m.
Change out of Uniforms and load equipment: 5:15 p.m.
Return to Stadium to watch other bands: 5:45 p.m.
Awards at Wando: 9:00 p.m.
Depart Wando: 9:30 p.m.
Return to Swansea: 11:30 p.m.
Dismissal: 11:45 p.m.

We will not rehearse Saturday before the competition. We will be dressing at Wando. Lunch will be provided for you but you should bring a small amount of money for dinner at Wando. Please be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to there. Do everything you can to make sure we are the best we can be Saturday. You must bring your show shirt and shorts or jeans with you as we will change. As always, we will stand at attention during the awards ceremony only. We are so close to being great. Just keep doing your best.

Never trade what you want at the moment for what you want the most.

Things are Good!

I feel a bit out of round today. Maybe it was the chicken sandwich I ate yesterday? It had bones in it! Now when I order a chicken sandwich it should not have bones it it! I felt like I was going to pass out before the awards at Irmo. That was the high point of the night! So you want the insights of a high school band director? You should stop now and click on the X at the upper right hand corner if you really don't want to hear them.............................................................................................

Still here? OK, here it goes. We had a great day yesterday. Wonderful weather. Great band booster club. They were truly the stars of yesterday. Our parents did everything above and beyond. Everything was where it was supposed to be when it was supposed to be. I can't tell you how much I personally appreciate that. I never heard any cross words, any complaining, no power trips. My booster club was great. The best I have ever worked with. It reminded me of my days with The Mill. We won two state championships and were the national champions in AA at BOA. I bet a lot of you didn't know that. That's a problem with age. People start to forget what you did when you were young. Not to mention the numerous recordings I made at younger age when I was actively performing as one of the best musicians in the country! ON A TUBA! Oh well enough of that... Back to yesterday.

We were third at both contests. We are getting slammed in visual execution. Strange because that was a high point last year. We have a great guard and the drill is good. We are having trouble getting our feet together. So where does that put us? In a great position to win it all! How? Our music scores tell it all. We can play! Our feet will catch up with our music. Gary Gribble, a nationally ranked judge, scored us a 13.8 out of 15 at Spring Valley. That is 92% on Sept. 30!!!! We scored a 35.9 out of 40 in music at Irmo. That is 90% on Sept. 30! Our feet will catch up to the music.

Maybe we didn't get the ultimate goal of 1st place yesterday but I would not have chosen to be with any other band yesterday. (By band I mean students, booster club, parents, friends, family, and supporters.) Because everybody that saw and heard us yesterday knows we were incredible. They tried to take that feeling away....They did not succeed!

I was happy to be with Swansea yesterday. My kids are great and they make me and my family happy to be with.

I love my kids. There will be better days, but I sure would rather have a day of defeat now rather than 3 weeks from now.

Today I relish not in our victories yesterday but in our accomplishments this year and the hope of future accoplishments.

Remember kids, just when you think its impossible and you can't get any better...That is when you are about to take the next step. That is the step so few people take......The step to greatness.