A couple of days in our life...

The Spirit of Central Marching Band!

Well, I didn't quite make it by Monday morning, eh? I am not kidding when I say that our weekend went by in a blur! It started out with a marching band dress rehearsal and band pictures on Friday night...the kids weren't released until 8 pm! By the time we got take-out and got home, it was plenty late. Mindy was out the door Saturday morning for marching band rehearsal at 6:45 am. Jon was out of town on a last-minute business trip with Mickey on Friday and Saturday. Abby held down the fort with Caroline, and I left for the competitions about 1 pm.

Mindy is just to the right of center, behind the mirimba...

This was our first major weekend of competition of the season, and it turned out to be a great one! We traveled to the home of one of our major rivals for an invitational and swept all but one of the awards! It was so exciting to start out the season that way! Of course, our host rival was in exhibition, so they did not compete, and another of our rivals did not attend. STILL, it was a win! Then we were off to the new Lucas Oil Stadium for the first-ever band competition held there. It was a Bands of America event, and it drew about 15 schools from Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio for the evening competition. BOTH of our major competitors were there.

Our marching band has a very strong program, and it has done well on a national level for the last several years. They won the BOA Grand National title in 2001 and 2004 and have consistently placed in the top ten in subsequent years. They've marched in the Rose Bowl and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, we're headed to Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl! Needless to say, they take their program seriously. Despite all the hard work and long hours, though, the kids love it! It is truly amazing to see what they can do. They are so talented! I can barely talk and chew gum at the same time!

First time through the doors to the competition field

in the brand new stadium!

We were pleasantly surprised to win FIRST PLACE overall! When I say surprised, I am not at all exaggerating. Floored would be more appropriate! Last year, the only event that the band won was the Oxford Regional in Ohio...a great accomplishment, but, back home, against our two biggest rivals, we consistently placed lower. By the end of the season, it was a foregone conclusion. As the awards were announced Saturday, it wasn't really a shock to see the caption awards for music, visual effect and general effect go to other schools, including our two rivals. Then the top three placings were announced...once again, second and third went to our rivals. We were fully expecting first place to go to another school, and then WE HEARD OUR SCHOOL'S NAME! We were just thrilled, and I was apparently so surprised I didn't even take a picture of the drum majors receiving the trophy!

It took a while to wind down, once we got home...at 1 AM! I think it was about 2:30 am when Mindy and I went to bed. I spent Sunday afternoon doing senior photo shoots, and, bless her heart, Mindy went with me to assist. She was dragging by evening, and it was a tough Monday morning, but I'm sure once she got to school, she was fine. No practice tonight...YEAH!

And that's your introduction into the world of a marching band parent. As hard as it was last season, especially with Mindy's injury, this year has been infinitely more enjoyable so far. I know it's true that winning isn't the most important thing, and they may not win anything else this season, but for today, we'll bask in the glow of victory! And if you're still reading, thanks for letting me brag about my kid!

Now how about that next Washington, DC, installment? Um, yeah...I'm almost done...I should be able to get it done tonight. I know, I know...you've heard that before...if it weren't for that thing called sleep. Here's one of my favorites to tide you over...check back tomorrow...

Aren't they so stinkin' cute?