The Prodigal Son

It's been a long time, I know...deal.

Lot has happened.

The Band Banquet was Wednesday night, my final. It was filled with mixed emotions.

I've come to grips with the result of state, mainly through the help from Gail and the line. They've both done a great job at forcing me to realize what I preach. I have never cared about scores at the high school level, but that II at state sucked. It turns out the drumline got a III from one of the judges. I was affected, but the kids weren't...that meant a lot. I guess I've done a good job at teaching them good fundamentals about competition...too bad I got caught up in the scores momentarily. Mainly I was proud of the great strides we were making mentally, especially concerning consistency. I don't want to walk away from the group at this juncture and I didn't want them to be negatively rewarded for their increasingly had work. Great job gang, I'm proud of your maturity.

Back to the banquet: It was fun, usually is. P's speech was short, for the first time ever, but a little unusual. He was VERY complimentary this year...never has he paid anyone a debt a gratitude ever before. He thanked the administration profusely, congratulated the football team and even mentioned he was excited to go into the playoffs...bizarre I know. He actually thanked the staff this year, other than Barry Hearts...the full time staff has felt slighted by this the last two years. Barry walked in and did a little work with the hornline and at last years banquet the kids and P freaked out with acknowledgements of his greatness and help. Whereas the regulars-full timers didn't even get a thank you last year. Even though we weren't mentioned in the DM's speech...again...P did thank us. (I think Gail might have written some of it) No glitter was allowed this year, thank god. The food was good...love vienerschnitzle.

There is always a gift trading situation for sections/section leaders/seniors/staff. I like to give a little something to the seniors for their hard work, dedication and leadership. Since this was my last season, I made awards for all members, but framed the seniors. Here's a short list:
Most likely to have a waffle in his pocket: John Bramely (actually had a waffle in his pocket)
Most likely not to hear this: Matt Zaddell (our deaf kid)
Most likely to lose this award: Wes Garlock (loses everything, honestly)
Most likely to injure herself on this award: Ash Cardon (has broken her ankle like four times)

(I stole this idea from NCA a group I marched in. When I was there I won: Most likely to be from Ohio...the organization was in MI...and most likely to be a ranger...which I sort of am. They are meant to be funny)

The line always makes a t-shirt, this year I really wanted pink...so it was done. Here is a photo: Thos are the inside jokes around the border and the party begins when you spread your legs. (another inside joke)

Here is a look at all the other t-shirts from years past. The one from '99 was the first year we ever did shirt...my senior year. I didn't work with them for two years, then spent four years on staff. The pic on the left is the backs and the pic on the left is the front of the t-shirts.










In the spirit of giving, the DL usually gives something to the seniors and staff. The two seniors got gifts that were specific to their inside jokes. John Bramley got a gift certificate to Bakers Square and Matt Hoffman got a dog collar. At sometime they all thought he was a dog...I must have missed that game. The line this year signed a drum head and got me a sweatshirt. I've always wanted a sweatshirt that says willoughby south drumline, and boy did they come through. Here is a photo of my billboard (from the front and back) and drumhead. I've never had a signed drumhead before, it's very special to me.















It was a good time. Short speech led to an early net to bed, which was good for me.