Five years later as a parent of kids in high school marching band and I still stand amazed at the end of the season. From band camp in August, through the last Saturday in October, these kids give of their time and talents, and put together an amazing show that lasts around 8 minutes. Band camp days that are almost 8 hours each, add Saturdays until the first competition each about 6 hours each. Once school starts the only days off they have are Tuesday and Sundays. Countless of hours in rehearsal, and competitions, often giving up entire Saturdays to do what they do. This last Saturday I was privileged once again to watch my kids along with 170 others march in Semi-State competition earning the right to be one of the ten best bands in class B in the entire state of Indiana. They left home at 5 am, and didn't get home till 1 am, causing no trouble, doing a great thing. THESE are the kids that need to be celebrated, 170 kids not bullying each other, not out causing damage, but dedicating their time to an art that is so physical, they ought to get PE credit for it. The first movement is 180 beats per minute, so they play difficult music, all the while marching a difficult drill. For anyone that hasn't seen a show, here is the link for Goshen's Championship performance at Homestead invitational.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVVFjLhPKxE
Thank you Elizabeth and Sara for your hard work, and sharing your gift with me.
