2013 Marching Band Thread

[luvmyfam444]

FYI, the Principal has written a statement:

http://www.thea-blast.org/news/2013...ent-randazzo-apologizes-for-fridays-incident/

I read both articles. Astonishing! I'm sooo thankful our football coach/team respect our artists. We too have had several close calls with time. I think it was last year we had to shorten our set because the visitor team took too long clearing the field.

Now the principal wrote a nice, eloquent letter of apology except for his last sentence. something about "staff dedicated to our students" that's a JOKE. Especially since more than one on staff were involved.

I SOOOO want to follow up on this story.

The football team may have to thank the band one day - if the losing coach gets fired (because of it all) & they replace him with a winning coach. wouldn't that be ironic?

 

[Gina]

Just had to share with you guys. After beating San Antonio Madison this past weekend in the semi-finals, our Pearland Oilers are going to STATE!!! And where the football team goes, the band goes, so my son gets to end his marching band gig the same way he began it as a Freshman, by marching at the State Championship game in Cowboy Stadium. This has been a fairy tale season... I can't believe we made it this far. And I have spent the past 3 years regretting not going to the game then -- I already have my ticket for this one!

I know it's hard to wrap your brain around what a ginormous deal this is if you're not in Texas, but it's a really huge deal... I'm so excited, I can hardly sit still. Can't wait for Saturday!!

Oh, and on a more direct band note, we're playing Allen, which is in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. Allen has the distinction of being the largest marching band in the country, at right around 800 members. (!!!) They usually march around 550-600 at any given time, I'm told. My son said the only formation they must be able to make is a rectangle, lol. Guess we'll see on Saturday!

 

[Pembo]

Congrats Gina! I can't believe that your school is still playing football! Our season ended so long ago...

 

[marcyinPA]

Wow!!! Congratulations on making states! I know your DS will have fun! And the other band at 800 members?! Holy cow!!! How big is their high school? I thought our band was big at 291!!

 

[MouseLover]

Anybody's kid participate in marching band in college? How many hours did they practice weekly? How much in summer & off season?

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Anybody's kid participate in marching band in college? How many hours did they practice weekly? How much in summer & off season?

about 10 hours a week during the season They're expected to be able to sight read well, learn new drills quickly, and be ready with a new show every week. That said, they're not entering competitions like they do in high school. Off season they have basketball band and baseball and softball band. It's sort of a volunteer for which one you want type deal. They also send a band to other sporting events. The hardest part is the camp/tryouts for those not already in the band. You're there for awhile before school starts pretty much all day.

 

[bittybabygrower]

My DD is trying out for OU's band. She moves into the dorms the week before, practice is every day from morning until night, the try outs. Not to sure about during school, but it is a big commitment. Not only do they do the games but they sometimes travel during the week and during the off season. They also have a how to prepare list on their website on how to build up physical stamina, etc.

 

[Pembo]

My niece was in the OSUMB. Before trying out she went to sessions all summer to prepare. Then she had tryouts. During school she had practice everyday. It was VERY time intensive. They have music auditions every week and you can be replaced at any time if you don't pass. She spent a lot of hours practicing as well.

It was a great experience and she had a blast but after 5 years she was ready to be done. Also she was unable to take a big course load in fall. This put her about a year behind. She graduated in 6 years but she did change majors. Typically most of those in the band graduated in 5 years.

Also at OSU, it was a big $$$.

 

[MouseLover]

OSUMB is awesome!! I imagine they practice more than most.


Thanks for the replies.

 

[mrsklamc]

Is there a 2014 thread yet?

And just wondering...was anyone famous in your high school's marching band?

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Sign me up if there's a 2014 thread. Even though DD is graduating high school this year, I'm coming back as the Guard/Band Mom. Practices will be starting in July and we are in desperate need of fundraising ideas.

As for famous, some of our kids will be. No doubt

 

[Pembo]

As the OP of this thread, I am happy to say that I am no longer a marching band mom!!! DS graduated, ds#2 decided not to do mb and dd prefers dance. For those asking about a 2014 thread, just start one. That's what I did.

 

[MouseLover]

Summer band starts in 10 days for my daughter. How about the rest of you?

 

[Southernmiss]

Summer band starts in 10 days for my daughter. How about the rest of you?

I think I remember a 2014 thread, but I'm on my phone and can't search and link.

Anyway, our camp started yesterday. They go 8 to 1230 and then 5 to 9 pm for the next 2 weeks. Way too hot midday.

Today we've got Blue Stars from Drum Corp international using our facilities for their performance tonight. So the kids have the evening off. Many are going to the dci show tonight.

School starts August 7 and football season late August.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

Off to start a new thread...