It's as Clear as the Road Ahead - Why We Do This

Yes, we are on the road, somewhere in Virginia at 3:02 am. I am, as usual, pulling an all nighter, drinking diet coke, and making my hourly pilgrimage to the back of the bus bathroom, accross the legs of sleepers and back to the front to look at the road and now blog. I’ve done a ton of these trips with various bands in different school districts and have become a pro at maneuvering the obstacle course to the back of the bus.

And now I ponder. With all the countless hours of planning and setting up this trip, like the launching of a space ship, we are on our way! As we trek to Disneyworld it is totally obvious to me “why” we all do this, as obvious as the stars in the sky. Why we compete. Why we do these trips. Why we do this incredible “marching band” activity. Let me explain.

Many band directors ask me why I do these trips and why we compete, why I run a band that does this much, definitely in a suspect tone. I get angry, grumble, and usually walk away. These people just don’t “get it.” They are missing out on one of the most amazing things by not having a marching band like ours. This band purely and simply changes lives. It is like a secret that once you take part in it, you get glued to it emotionally. This band transforms, bonds, teaches, and creates experiences which the band members and anyone connected with it will remember their whole lives.

This is an incredible week for all of us. We will be marching in one of the most prestigious parades in the vacation capital of the world! We have a huge contingent of parents and family members going as well! The band members have learned how to work together, how to conquer a goal together, and how to have fun together. We have learned alot about life by being in this band, every single one of us! That is why we do this! Now it is 3:40am (I am taking my time writing this) I feel so lucky to be directing this amazing band of beautiful kids. Thank you to the parents, the kids, the community of Roslyn, as well as the administration and Board of Education for supporting us. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this band become what it is! We will make Roslyn proud of us this week.