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!
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!
November came and so did the playoffs, parades, and The Music Man. It was the busiest November's we have all had and kudos to all band members and families for keeping track of the schedule and for representing Pennfield in such an positive way.
Congratulations to all who played a part in a successful marching season.
RSS Feed
