...And we're back!

So, I haven't been very good at updating. I blame maternity leave. And summer. :-)

This year is starting off great. A few things here and there, but for the most part, it's going to be a great year. Here are a few highlights...

1. High School Band is growing! Marching 28 this year, which is double what I had two years ago. Whee! New this year: We're wearing uniforms. Yes, bona fide uniforms. Not windbreakers that make us look like hobos. Real, genuine uniforms. With hats! And plumes! It's amazing how much better they sound and look and present themselves when in uniform. (Pyschological? Probably, but I'll take it!). Concert band will be 33 people. Yes!

2. JH Band. Holy crap. Where did the talent in this group come from?! We're planning on auditioning for a band director's conference in May (well, the audition is in January, the conference is in May). Do we have a shot? Probably not, but what the hell? You don't know unless you try!

3. 6th Grade Band. When they're on and cooking, they sound amazing. And they're a lot more mature.

4. 5th Grade Band. 22 starting. Probably will be the bane of my existence for awhile, until they learn that I don't put up with crap. They're starting to figure it out, but it's been a lot of me pushing and a lot of them pushing back. If they could settle down and keep quiet, they'd be a really good, musical group.

5. The director. It's amazing how much easier this gets year after year. I'm not saying I know it all...far from it! But I feel like I've got a much better handle on things this year. Maybe it's a change in attitude, maybe it's the kids getting to know me. At any rate, we're taking things to the next level, and that's the best feeling in the world.

I unfortunately cannot post pictures on here. I'm trying to keep this as anonymous as possible so you don't know who I'm talking about, who is in this band or that, etc. It's a safety thing. Let me know if you want to see any pics of what I do...I can send them to you via e-mail.

Until next time! :-)