Band Camp Update

WOW. Where to begin?

Last week was all about two things: getting to know the kids and developing fundamentals. I think I have most of the new names down at this point. The kids have been incredible. Never in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine Batavia kids doing what these kids have done. (Remember, I a Batavia High alum, class of 2001.) They have worked hard every day, every hour and every minute. What I have been the most impressed with, with all the positives I've witnessed, has been how incredibly nice and caring all the kids are. They pick each other up, they support each other, they joke around with each other, and they can sprint like wild to a swing set!! The story here is that because we are at AGS, we have a massive swing set and playground next to the field. You would never believe these are high school kids because the second we take a break (remember, we teach for 50 minutes and give them a 10 minute break) the kids are off to play on the monkey bars, swings, and yes..............the slide.

I give them a break because they seem tired and then, BAM! it's the Jungle Book all over again.

The AGS staff and principal, Sandy Miller, have been GREAT. Mrs. Miller's son Josh was one of my best friends growing up so it's fun to be back hanging out in Mrs. Miller's 'crib'. I probably slept over at her house a dozen times over my middle school years.

The neighbors have been 'colorful'. A few are confused as to why the aesthetic education afforded to Batavia High School students accounts for frequencies existing in or around their place of residence. Or, in other words, we are loud. I've told them that a generous donation to the Batavia High School Band Budget (BHSBB) would really help in noise reduction. They didn't think that was a good solution.

The kids can now go forward and backwards (we'll learn how to march sideways in August). Please encourage your students to 'show off' their new skills for you in the living room. Tell them to keep the heel vertical!

We also began playing through our show which is yet to be named. We are playing the music of Aaron Copland. The show will be around 7:30 minutes and is being designed by the famous Alan Spaeth. He's a monster in the marching band world and we're lucky to have him. I'll keep more details of the show on this blog. Our arrangers are Don Hill (another huge name) and myself (not a huge name). You can see some of his work here. In fact, the opener, that's marching band lingo for the first piece in a show, is Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, the same opener we are using. The drill designer is Andrew Packer of Marian Catholic High School. For those of you who are new to the competitive marching band world, Marian Catholic is like the Yankees, Red Wings, Lakers, and Patriots put together.

The kids are really excited to show off their work. Please join us at the Cornboil the Friday before school begins.

Tomorrow night we head to Cedar Point. Pray for good weather.