The Importance of Staying for the National Class

As a band member in a competitive marching band it is crucial for us to know what we are “shooting for” and to understand the social needs of the band members.  We have lost this the two past years, these all important educational components due to the fact that Halloween was intercepting our weekend at the dome.  The last two years I chose to alter our plans because of the students' request to be back at school so they could join in the school's celebration of Halloween. It was something I strongly did not want to do but the kids really wanted to be part of this RHS Halloween tradition.   After all isn’t this always about the kids.

Our band never gets to see the National Class bands anywhere since the show stands are always full and/or we are eating, changing, etc at each of the local shows. The importance of this component cannot be underestimated.

Here are the reasons that we are staying the additional day.  Please remember, we did this for 7 years and there were no complaints because culturally, we all understood how important this was for the following reasons.  It is obvious that I have not clearly communicated how important staying that extra day is to our educational and social growth.

1.  This great opportunity to see 10 of the best bands in the country and know what we are shooting for cannot be done with a video.  We see it from the 50 yard line, up high, together, it is awesome and inspiring.

2. The culmination of our team being together to digest whatever placement we received in the afternoon, together as a family is very important. Especially in a relaxed setting.  Our scores could be up or down since it is totally subjective.  This is a vitally important way for us to work through the results of our season together.

3.The opportunity for our kids to have some fun, going to the mall, relaxing at the hotel, together for the last time is an important social thing.  Each group has it's own family each year, Seniors through Freshman, it starts at Camp and ends at the Dome.  This is the last time that they are ever together, ever.  In an academic environment as intense as ours, it is important for the kids to have some “fun” time once in a while and we must be sensitive to take a break from all the academics to bond socially.

I clearly hear the complaints that this additional day is not important, a waste of time, and that the kids should not be missing school for it.  I also understand that when they moved the Newsday Festival to the last week due to the Presidential Debate, it further added to the intensity of that week.  This is a one year deal, they will move it back to mid October.

Please trust me however, the way you trust me with your kids whenever they are with me.  I treat them as my own children (as if I need any more than the 6 I have).  Yes please trust me that this is important for the kids in the band, for the quality of our group and their social growth.  If you are upset and don’t agree with any of this please throw me a bone on this one.  The band members, parents and staff do not need the added pressure of parents upset over this. We always work together as a family, the band, staff, Band Fans, and community. It is our greatest strength.

We will be arriving back on Monday afternoon, handing the uniforms in when we arrive back which is the official end of our marching band season.  Please be there to congratulate the kids upon our return, as you always do.