Wow, we had a great year in 2013! The best band we have had, the highest score we have had, 2nd in the State and 9th at the Nationals. The sound, look, guard, pit, winds, dancers and drum line was firing on all cylinders. Now to my take on the Nationals last night.
I sat and watched the entire class 5A. I personally had the top three bands in that order, they were clearly, in my opinion, above the other 6, and in that order, and the scores showed that (remembering that these are all subjective). As far as 5 through 9, I couldn't have made a call or put them in order at all, and this includes us. We were all about the same in terms of guard, musicianship, and marching…..everything. We all had great moments and all had moments that weren't so perfect. But one thing stood out for sure. They were all GREAT bands and I told the band members I came in contact with that we could be 5th, 9th, or anywhere in between. We received 9th but went on to receive the highest score we have ever achieved, a score of 85! We were all excited.
As far as the conference switch, I think we made the right move. We were placed in a class of great bands in the appropriate point range and it was clear to me that all of these bands were much stronger than the other conference. This was clearly a National Championship at a great venue, the MetLife Stadium.
From a band director's standpoint, US Bands is up to 780 bands for a reason. They are a "Child Centered" conference. Not once did I or any of the staff get treated in a mean fashion, or with a businesslike, tense demeanor, by anyone at any of the shows. The judging seemed fair to me, yet subjective. Everything was relaxed, calm, and we had a great experience from beginning to end. We could have done without the 2 in the morning return last night but that won't happen every year. The classes are scheduled at different times each season. At least it is not on a school night.
In addition, the Columbus Day parade was a great trade for the late weeknight Newsday Festival. In addition, I think that the 2 weeks off and spread out in the season gave us the energy by recharging, doing college visits, and tending to life and school needs. For the first time we didn't have that crazy last week of the season in which we are all stressed out and staying up super late to get everything done. I am truly not done processing it all because the season just ended, but overall, I think we are all happier.
In addition, going to Syracuse to see my son in Mineola last week, I had no idea how much that trip costs for a family. Joey and I went and the costs involved with going to Phoenix and the Dome championships were astronomical. I was not ready for that. Obviously that is why we have more people going to Florida this year. We usually take around 60 and this year we are at 90. By pulling out the $1000 costs of paying for your son/daughter along with the family to go to Syracuse, we have gained more participation with the Spring Trip which is awesome!
So, in a nutshell, a great year was had by all! Thanks to the Pit Parents for all their help, thanks to the Parents and administration for all your support, and thanks to the "Band Fans" for being the best band support group on the planet.
I know I keep harping on the 80 hours thing, but it is a reality and something we cannot overlook. We practice much less than other competition bands, much less. Sometimes it catches up with us. Sometimes we don't have that clarity and perfection that another 80 or 100 hours would accomplish, the stuff that the judges see but we don't. The pure fact that we are even scoring within points of these top bands in the nation is absolutely phenomenal. Think about it. And for our school, our band, and our culture here at Roslyn I wouldn't change a thing. This is so much fun. The music we pick is always enjoyable to rehearse and listen to. We have all built friendships that last a lifetime. Our band camp is incredible, like no other anywhere. We are absolutely amazing. A powerhouse National Class Band.
Great job everybody!
And to the band, I know it sounds crazy but I already miss you!
