So here we go, two nights to think about it, what to write. Sorry I didn't put the blog up until now. I needed to digest the weekend, as you would a gourmet meal, before I wrote about it. I had to reflect on some of my own, shall I say, shortcomings, or maybe a better way to put it would be, my ego. There, I said it, I have one. Actually, we all do.
I am very competetive, big time. I hate losing, at anything. Whether its fishing on a party boat, to playing chess, or even a video game, I hate to lose, to anyone, at any time. Sorry, I am being honest with you. But sometimes I have to compose my thoughts, and look at the big picture. Here with the Roslyn Band, the big picture is one of the most beautiful, incredible, and breathtaking pictures I have ever seen. That is what I realized after digesting this past weekend. Watching that huge and precise band marching down the street, taking up 3 blocks, with parents and groupies following the band like they were celebrities was heart wrenching to say the least. Seeing the huge crowd at the homecoming, the whole community coming together to watch our teams and students celebrate our school's homecoming, was an incredible thing to watch. The passion, the love, the rise of Roslyn in so many ways- what a great picture to take in. We all need to take a step back and look at the "Big Picture."
Now back to the reality of life. Sometimes it is difficult to deal with the subjectivity of judges, of a person or persons totally deciding if you "got it done" or not. Actually, it is always difficult dealing with it! After homecoming, at the Walt Whitman Show, it hit us like a ton of bricks. Fun to watch, but a little scary because you don't know what is coming. With subjective judging there are so many variables that are involved, you have to be very intelligent and patient when dealing with it. You have to constantly adjust your goals. You have to have unwavering resiliency. It is very similar to getting into the best colleges. A person or persons on an admission team will decide if you are worthy of their school. It is totally subjective when it comes right down to it. Of course, you need the great grades and SAT's, the great essay and brilliant interview technique, but when you come right down to it.........someone is going to decide if you "got it done." Pretty scary!
Now back to the band (sorry about the rant).
The band was incredible, clearly one of the best on Long Island. We have gotten better every year. We have gotten bigger every year. Everyone is talking about the growth of the Roslyn Band. "Where did they come from" is a frequent line around the marching band scene on Long Island. In addition, we are more organized and have an incredible support system from our school, community, and parents! We have the hardest working band I have ever seen. I am proud to direct such a great group of human beings. Wow, I really mean it!!
We have a goal, we are building a dynasty. We are doing it. Big Time!!!!
Do the judges realize it yet? Maybe........and maybe not. It doesn't matter. They will. I'll say it again. THEY WILL. Maybe this year, maybe next year, and maybe 10 years down the road. The bottom line is that WE realize what we are doing here. We need to take it all in. We need to Pat (ha) ourselves on the back. We need to realize how great it is going, how much we have all done here. Sit back and think about it, ponder it, watch old tapes, you will be mezmerized by the incredible growth of the Roslyn Marching Band Program. Feel it, internalize it, then press on.
The energy, from the parents pouring onto the field to set the band up, to the new shakos and plumes, to the 7 tubas, to the incredible drum line, to the huge and hard working low brass section, to the incredible clarinets, the great flutes, the crazy, nutty alto saxes (who play great!) to the great bass clarinets, and the great colorguard. We have it all! The pit rocks! Remember a few years ago when there wasn't even a pit or colorguard! Our colorguard was right on this week! They were incredible. The trumpets are one of the best sections on Long Island! The mellophones march like pros and sound like it too!
Remember the word......Dynasty! We are building a marching band dynasty! It's fun! It's more fun than anything to win! Hopefully we will! But have fun in the process, don't miss out the fun it is building this thing!
Now, if we get a low score, that is when you are really put to the test. Anyone can handle a great score. It is a very special group that can get a low score, dust themselves off, work hard, and take the championship by storm. We are that group! We did it before! Remember, we did some of our best work when we are in last place last year! We ended up beating 11 bands, winning a Silver Plaque, and moving up a class. We are that special group. Roslyn is a very rare place, hard workers, very competetive, and we love marching band. Let's dig down, get psyched, and tear down the dome! (not literally). Our goal is still to win the dome! Stay the course! Aim High.......Be Patient!
P.S........from the bottom of my heart......I love all of you and appreciate how hard you are working!
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