Have you ever received a thank you note at just the right time?  Today I received a thank you letter addressed to me and the whole HS band from someone who attended the Music Man performances last week at Calhoun Christian School.  The person who wrote the note was so kind and generous with her compliments, acknowledging that this was no small feat to coordinate such a performance.  She thanked me, the band members, and even the bus drivers and the administrators who helped make it happen.  She gets it, and it was so refreshing to read this letter.  I want to write her a thank you note for her thank you note!  

I needed to read something like that today.  It's been such a busy month of November with a few more things yet to come.  Last week alone the HS band did the Music Man rehearsal on Tuesday evening and then performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.  Throw the football game in there on Saturday afternoon and that makes 5 events over the course of 5 days.  I was tired.  My family missed me and I missed them.  At the football game, a band parent made a comment to Mrs. Driver that she missed her child this week too because he'd been so busy with band things at night.  

It is my hope, every time I schedule a performance of the band students, that many people will enjoy and appreciate their efforts, and in turn, mine.  Performances don't just happen.  They take planning, rehearsal, more rehearsal, logistics, more rehearsal, and execution.  I also hope that the students themselves and look back after each performance and realize they made someone's day better because of their music.  

ZZZzzz's:  Sleep at the Driver household these days has been at a premium with little baby Jennifer only sleeping 3 hours at at time at the most.  Mrs. Driver and I kind of take turns waking up with her, and more often that not (95 percent of the time) little baby sister and I end up in the chair in the family room.  Luckily, it doesn't bother me to sleep in the chair and it sure is what little Jennifer wants too.  She snuggles right in and we're good for a few hours there so mommy can get some much deserved uninterrupted rest.  Other parents tell me that I'll miss these sleep-less nights someday.  (sleep-less in that I sleep less than I used to and not completely without sleep)  Ok, well, I would like to start missing them now please....

Enjoy the band's performance tomorrow at the BAttle Creek Christmas parade, and be sure to say thank you, or better yet, write a note and send it!

See you 'from the podium,'

Mr. D

The Pennfield Panther Marching Band is once again marching in the Battle Creek Christmas Parade.  The parade is this Saturday, November 19th in downtown Battle Creek.  Student report time is 4:15-4:40 for uniform check-out with a 4:45 pm call up.  For a detailed schedule, click here.  We will be back in time for students involved in the Follies to get ready.  Any questions, call or eamil

What a game last night at Pennfield!  In my 8 years at Pennfield, that had to be the best game I've ever been a part of.  I was very proud of the band members and how they brought their spirit.  It was true Pennfield grinding football.  Coach K and his assistants really had the defense ready to go.  To hold this Sexton team to just 6 points on the night was amazing.  I kept waiting for them (Sexton) to get a big play like last year's but Pennfield allowed just that one.  It was awesome.  What is even better now is that we get to host another playoff game.  Grosse Ile beat Detroit Douglass and we have more playoff points then they do so we get the game.  Mr. Boyer said most likely the game will be on Saturday afternoon.  

Speaking of defense, it got me thinking about when defense is appropriate and when it isn't.  Defense is appropriate at a football game, yes, and also while driving, but not all the time during life.  I think people are too defensive these days.  I think especially students are too defensive, both with me and with each other.  I believe that most people are good people at heart so why must we always have our guard up?  So many times during the teaching day, I ask a student a question and they immediately become defensive.  It doesn't matter if I'm reprimanding them for something or not, they are quick to put their guard up and therefore close their eyes and ears to the truth.  

Defense is important...at the right time, but being nice and listening to people is more important.

See you from the podium,
Mr. D

I just signed up for a Twitter account for the band.  I actually had to read some websites about how to use twitter since I had no idea.  If any of you have any tips on the best way to use it, I'd appreciate it.

I'm excited about the playoff game tomorrow night.  I feel like we're ready to put on a great performance despite the students that will be missing.  We as a band play an important role at the games.  Let's be LOUD!

Be sure to keep a careful eye on the calendar this month.  It's a busy one.  

Until then, see you from the podium,
Mr. D