There are so many different end of the years lists, I just had to put one out there of my own.  Of course, it will be band related since this is the "From the Podium" blog.  This is a top ten in name only.  I'm writing the highlights of the band program chronologically as I think of them, and not necessarily in the order of importance.  In fact, I won't even number them.  I'll just list them.

• March, 2011-7th and 8th grade band earns 1st division rating at festival under Mr. Dixon.  This is the first 1st division rating since 2008.
• March, 2011-HS Symphonic Band earns 1st division rating at festival.  This marks the 3rd consecutive year of the 1st division rating
• Pennfield Board of Education approves HS band trip to Washington, DC.
• Pennfield Board of Education approves change of beginning band program.  5th grade band is eliminated and two sections of 6th grade band now exist.  Future beginning students will start in 6th grade at Pennfield.
• April, 2011-1st Annual Fine Arts Showcase is held at Pennfield.  It's a huge success and will become an annual event.
• May, 2011-Great spring concerts by all groups including the return of the Jazz Band and also some superheroes and light sabres at the concert.
• June, 2011-Jazz Band tours Pennfield elementary schools.
• June, 2011-Congratulations to the Class of 2011!
• July, 2011-Band Camp, HOTTEST week of the summer.  Need I say more.  PHS Grad Chad Osenbaugh writes drill for Bon Jovi show
• August, 2011-2nd annual KVA classic at WMU
• October, 2011-Band performs at the Hastings Invitational for the first time
• October, 2011-Band performs special pre-game drill in honor of Lacy Faber.  "LF" is placed on field.
• October, 2011-Panther Marching Band earns 1st division rating at Marching Festival in Jackson.  This is the first 1st division rating since 2008.
• Oct/Nov-2011-Football team earns 3 home playoff games and the band performs at each one
• November, 2011-One of the busiest months ever for the bands with fundraisers, two parades, and the band's performance at The Music Man.

There are just too many special accomplishments to list here so I know I've left some out.  What about you?  What was your highlight of the year band-wise?  Feel free to comment and share with the rest of us.  

2012 is not lacking for special moments I'm sure.  We have so many things to get ready for and look forward too.  I hope each and every one of us is up to the challenge.  I think we are.  Here's to 2012.  "Bands, are you ready?"

Until then, I'll see you....
from the podium.

Mr. D

With the completion of the Marshall Christmas Parade last night, we officially ended the 2011 marching season.  The band has taken their last step of what was a very busy season.  

It all began in July with pre-band camp.  I remember those first couple of evenings as we taught the newest band members the fundamentals and the Pennfield traditions.  It was an exciting time of year to have everyone back and getting together.  We talked about our goals for the year, got to know each other and began our quest for a great season.  We received some press that week too as the BC Enquirer came out Friday evening and the band marched down Pennfield Road.  

Sunday afternoon came and so did the heat.  We were off to the Kettunen Center for 2011 band camp.  It was one of the hottest weeks of the year and also one of the hottest in the last several years.  The band persevered each and everyday.  We worked hard and we played hard too.  I called the band, "the hardest working band in the land" and that was so evident at camp.  We had very few "injuries" and people sitting out at camp, even though the heat index grew to near 100 degrees most afternoons.  There were a few pranks (sticky notes and glitter to be more clear) but that was all part of the fun and we all left camp Friday proud of what we accomplished.  We were tired, but ready for the season to come.

With Tuesday night rehearsals all throughout August, the season had arrived.  The band premiered the Bon Jovi show at the KVA football classic at Western Michigan University on a beautiful late August evening.  The football team didn't disappoint either.  In fact, as you know, they didn't lose a single game all year until the 3rd playoff game.  School started and students' lives got busier and so did mine with the pending arrival of new baby girl Driver.  September saw the BC Invitational, Homecoming and our band queen Taylor Haudek, and then on October 1st, our first performance at the Hastings Invitational.  October 8th, Jennifer Tigist Driver joined the world and Mr. Dixon and Ms. Squires took over band duties for a week or so.  I was so proud of the work they did with the band to get ready for marching band festival on the 15th.  The band earned a 1st Division at festival for the first time since 2008!  It was very exciting and I was very proud of them.  We don't talk about "the streak" anymore, but secretly I hope this is the beginning of a new one!