This is becoming a band blog...although marching season is nearly over (it would be over already, but the BHS football team is undefeated and has a playoff game at home tonight, as well as a likely home game Saturday). Aubrey found out yesterday that she is 4th chair clarinet in the top concert band...which means she beat out all of the upperclassmen but one! She and two of her freshmen friends were 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chair. Pretty awesome! Not sure that the 22 seniors, juniors, and sophomores they beat think it's awesome....
Our competition at Central Missouri was an eye-opener. We looked like a pretty rinky-dink operation pulling in with our three rented buses, gooseneck trailer and u-haul rigs next to the bright, shiny coaches and semi trucks most of the other bands had. We parked next to the Branson band...let's just say they are well funded. Several of the bands that were there compete on a national level. I knew our band was good, but I didn't realize just HOW good we are. We took second place to the Golden Regiment from Blue Springs, MO, a band that has year-round practice, only allows juniors and seniors, and has a budget of over $100,000. We were so incredibly proud of our kids; all their hard work showed!
On to other things...
Luke has basketball tryouts this week. There were 48 7th grade boys signed up for basketball, and the team cuts to 20. After the first day of practice yesterday there were only 41 boys left; apparently there's a high attrition rate when they start running suicides! He'll find out Friday if he made the team or not. Luke is relieved to be done with the marching part of his band and is ready for concert band also. Mostly, he is obsessed with hunting season's fast approach. He is finally long enough in the arms to be able to shoulder the 30/30 rifle as well as the .243. Look out, deer!
Jackson and I are going to the newspaper tonight for a tour along with his cubscout group. We're excited to be there on election night and see how busy it is!
Love to you all!
