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.
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.
posted by Jon Brady at 8:22 AM
4 Comments:
this is our time to do what needs to be done! all i have to say is LEAVE NO DOUBT!
We got it... not first but something ALOT better than 9th! Great job guys! I love you all SO much... ecspecially you Mr. Brady!!
We did it we went from 9th to 2nd in a year. Brady needs to wear that uniform monday. Good luck to all the graduating band members.
We did good today. WE might not have got first but you went out there and gave it our all, and suprised alot people. Thanks Mr Brady we coulndt have did it with out you
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