A Day with the Bands -- Marching Bands that is!

Yesterday I didn't get to do any blogging. There was a reason for my laxity. I spent the day running our high school's Marching Band Festival -- the SBHS Battle of the Bands. 14 bands, including our own performed -- we didn't compete but offered an exhibition performance. The bands ranged in size from about 25 members to 200. Each was unique and worth watching. I must say -- that music programs whether vocal or instrumental are constantly under threat from underfunding and even cancellation. "No Child Left Behind" doesn't seem to value such aspects of school life.

But I can witness to its importance (I was a choir person in high school) and my son has just finished 4 years of marching band. I was a bit misty eyed watching him play his last performance and give his senior speech (I was so busy doing my job of festival coordinator that I didn't get the camera there). I was so proud of him -- that he stuck with it through thick and thin. Last night he was one of seven seniors in a band dominated by freshmen and sophomores. They did great -- coming so far in such a short time.

If you have a chance take in a concert or a tournament. Maybe you could volunteer your time or some money to support a program in need. Music programs are extremely expensive and schools provide the minimum of support (we must raise about $80,000 in fees and fundraising each year to run a fairly small scale program).

Well that's why I didn't blog yesterday -- I was giving my day in support of the kids and their music!

And being a senior parent, this is my last such event (at least in this capacity). Go Dons!

In the picture above, my son is second from left -- front row -- marching into their SCBOA Championship performance (December 1).