Where No Band Has Gone Before

Daniel has been in marching band at the high school this year. He has gone to school, had after school rehearsals most days, competitions on Saturdays, pep band performances at Friday night football games, sectionals on days with no school, parties on any free night, etc. Basically, he sleeps here but other than that, we haven’t seen him since the beginning of August. Despite his lack of time at home, it has been a great season for him. He has really enjoyed himself and has learned a lot. He was the section leader for the alto saxes and really stepped up and took charge of everything he needed to and helped mentor and guide his section. This was his first year in fall marching band and in fact, 60% of the band this year were marching band rookies. They had so many more kids than last year that they went up two divisions. In spite of that, they have proven themselves to be very competitive in their new division. Their show was “Star Trek,” a different (and harder) show than the one the band director announced back in the spring. But with so many more kids in the band, he obviously felt a change was needed and the show ended up being super fun.

The state competition, the final one of the season, was Friday. The band traveled to St. George and did a great job. They came away second in their division, being only half a point behind the first-place band. They took the music caption (basically the award for the best music). Daniel is enormously pleased with how well they did, as am I. I’m so proud of how hard these kids have worked, how much time they’ve dedicated, and how much they have accomplished. But even more than that, I’m very proud of the fact that our little(ish) marching band has gained a statewide reputation for having fabulous sportsmanship. They cheer for all the bands, even those that are their fiercest competitors. They shout out love for everyone. They mentor and support the small bands. They are positive and upbeat and don’t let the competition be the most important thing. The other bands have started shouting that love back to our kids and honestly, I feel like that sense of comradery they have helped establish is the most important way they are making their mark in the high school marching band sphere.

Daniel is going to be bored for a while. He is going to go through band withdrawals and find himself lonely and wondering what to do with all his spare time. But he’ll find his new balance in time and he’s already looking forward to next year.