State: The Recap

We were all disappointed last night but I for one was not disappointed with myself and my band. We had a great run at 4:30 and nobody can take that away. There were some things I did not like about state though. First, I did not like how far away everything was physically. We had to walk far too much. Our buses were the furthest from warm up, the rest room, and the stadium. I did like the stadium though. The field surface was great for marching band. Second, I did not like the way most of the 5A directors walk around like they are most important people on the planet. I mean get real. I always find time to talk to the other band directors. Most of these guys did not even say hi. It is marching band. We are not solving world hunger or curing diseases! Mostly, I did not like the fact that one judge kept us out of finals. The individual music judge tanked us bad. He had us 12th. I just don't think that one judge should have that power. I am sure he can back up his score though. They always can.

What can we do to make sure we don't miss finals again? Here are a few suggestions.

1. The level of skill in the individual must continue. More students must register for region/all-state band and take it seriously. Our guard has come a long way this year. My challenge to them is to keep working with the flag through out the year. It will make a big difference next year.

2. We must have a continuous band program throughout all three levels. Right now we have a serious disconnect with the middle school band program. This must end.

3. Everybody must have faith that we are doing the right things and we are, I promise! What we did this year and how we did it will transfer into success in the future. Right now it may be difficult to see this but it will work.

I would like to add that one of the best things that happened this year was the way the booster club and the band parents came together and did great things. Our support group is growing and that will make all the difference in the future too. The kids equipment was always where it needed to be when it was needed. That in itself is a great accomplishment. The students were always well cared for with regards to medical issues, uniforms, and food. I can't do all that stuff on my own. I would also like to thank Mr. Henke. I knew him before this year but now I consider him a friend too. He is a great band director and a person too. You don't find that too much anymore. He is the Zen of our group for sure. He may not talk a lot at rehearsal or contests but when he does, you better listen. I am also very glad that Mr. Apple is with us. He has taught me a lot and I really enjoy having him as a friend too. I have to admit something was missing yesterday and that was Cindy. She is the one who always knows what to say to me and it always with me during the hard times. I hope I don't have to go to any more contests without her. Tom and Greg were great company during the trip though and very entertaining. Mr. Sharp is the best visual tech I have worked with yet. Many parents and students thanked me yesterday. I just do my job and I feel I am average at best but I can't remember seeing as many former students as I did yesterday nor have as many parents said thank you to me. I didn't see anybody angry or mad last night in the band room. That lets me know we did something right.

Now go practice and sell some fruit. We need to get better and this band thing ain't cheap!