Our oldest son, Josh, is currently in the high school marching band. He plays the Contra Tuba, which is like a shortened Sousaphone, designed to be "snapped" on and off the shoulder in a rhythmic fashion.
It weighs 32 lbs., so the wrists, forearms, and shoulders get quite a workout during the ten-minute program! The marching band has been practicing ninety formations since this spring, have performed in numerous parades, and now travel twice a week to perform at competitions.
It amazes me that they can march in time, keep all of their lines straight as they move from formation to formation, and play their program music from memory, in unison - all at the same time! All of this while under the pressure of competition, and in less than ideal conditions of heat, cold, rain, or snow in their formal uniforms. Last Tuesday they went to BYU where they performed exceptionally well, but did not place against the larger 5A powerhouse schools.
Here are two videos of them performing there, as recorded by one of the parents: The resolution is not quite professional quality, but you get the general idea and can see how well they do with the formations. You can also clearly hear Josh and the three other Contras!
The first video is the "opener" or first "movement"...
The second video is the "ballad" and the "closer".
The Contras wear a beret, instead of the Sheko hat with the "Chicken" (feather) sticking up, because it would interfere with the large bell of their instrument.
Tanner also serves as a "Youngling" at their competitions, helping keep uniforms looking extra-spiffy for the performances.
This past Saturday they competed at Pocatello and did very well, placing 2nd overall! Keri is very involved as a "Band Mom" and travels as a volunteer to many of the events. Until you get involved with something like this as a parent, you don't fully comprehend how much time, effort, practice, conditioning, energy, resources, volunteers, money (fundraising!), sweat, and tears go into training, outfitting, and supporting a marching band. The lessons learned, such as teamwork, discipline, and perserverence, along with the camaraderie, friendships, memories, satisfaction, pride, and sense of accomplishment make it all worth it!
Way to go, Team!!
2 comments:
what a great post! I am a former SV Band memeber and stumbled accross your page when I googled for images...we are putting together a band reunion and would love to be able to provide a scholarship with our fundraising...do you have any contact information you could send me? thank you
Lynette,
My wife will have contact information. If you can post a way for us to contact you here I will have her contact you. You could post an e-mail address, but spell it out without the "at sign" so nobody Spams it.
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