long day, big win

high school band competitions are becoming amazing productions. i had a weekend trip that took a large high school band from kingsport to murfreesboro. my day started by leaving home at 0400. i arrived in kingsport at 0700 and then drove to murfreesboro. all told, about 365 miles. we arrived about 1230 and we did not leave for another 12 hours. here is some info for you to think about:
* this is the largest high school band in tennessee-285 in the competition band and over 400 in the football band. there are only about 2000 students in the whole school. that means about 1 in 5 students are in the band.
* they are larger than the university of tennessee pride of the southland marching band.

* this was a "lite" trip-7 buses, 1 tractor trailer, another trailer pulled by a truck and appx 25 chaperone's and helpers.

* they travel extensively- they have played at the macy's thanksgiving day parade, tournament of roses parade and countless other programs.

* they are extremely talented, gifted and well led.

this group was a typical group who travels alot-polite but not really outgoing-until you got to know them. once they all got used to me, they were very polite and respectful. they were a fun group and very disciplined. watching them warm up was impressive. seeing them perform with such precision was inspiring. during their finals performance, there was a bassoon solo. bassoons are not your typical marching band instrument so it had to be "miked". it was so soft and such a pretty piece of music. it was the kind of piece that while he was starting, people stopped what they were doing just to listen. when they finished, they were shown what i think was ultimate respect-kids from other schools gave them a standing ovation!!! it was really cool to witness this event.
it was the kind of trip i ended up thanking them for allowing me to be a part of. it was a memorable experience and i am grateful i had they chance to not only meet some respectful and talented kids, it was a pleasure to meet so many chaperone's and parents who make all of this happen. without them, at best this would have been "organized chaos" at it's finest. by they way, they "earned" second place and the governors trophy!!!

until next time...