Drill, Music, and Personal Update

It is now August 2nd and I we are in the final stages of planning for band camp. Room lists are done, I am in the final stages of arranging/drill writing and now we are taking delivery of the new instruments, shakos (new hats) and plumes (the white feathers that go on them). I have been informed that the entire flag order will be sent next week. Some of our marching instruments are back ordered so I have been on the phone for two days trying to get dates for the uniform I also have the task of cleaning out our basement in Hicksville. After the storms of July 18th, there was a flood in our house for the first time ever. We were away at disney for the two weeks so mildew and mold started everywhere since we were not there to clean up. We lost most of our furniture, all of the rugs, and many personal items, so I have been taking care of ripping rugs up and throwing out the damaged materials. So it has been a very busy summer since we returned on the 30th. We are doing a uniform organization and sending the uniforms out to the cleaners on Monday, August 6th and this month is pretty much "band month" for me. I will leave another update in a few days. I dropped Dona (one of our drum majors) and my daughter Stephanie (Mineola Drum Major) at the DMA clinic yesterday and watched for a while. It was amazing. I will be bringing my sons Joey (Mineola 10th grader, quint player) and Patrick (6th grade trumpeter, swithing to French Horn/Mellophone) to the Reading Buccaneers workshop tomorrow at DMA and then pick up Stephanie and Dona on Saturday. Busy, busy, busy. I hope everyone is having a nice summer! I am now starting to get psyched for Band Camp!

Last Rehearsal of the Year

The last rehearsal was incredible! I cannot believe how great the band looks! There wasn't a peep on the field as we did the basics block for 30 minutes. Our drill instructor Jim Downey (uncle Jimmy) taught the band the left block move and the right block move. This incorporates virtually every marching move which we will use in the show. Not only did the band accomplish this task, but they did it with intensity and excitement. Counting out throughout the practice, it is obvious that the program is growing beyond belief! And the freshman class, Wow! They are incredible as well. Thanks to the music teachers in our district who have taught them, they are skilled and anxious to learn. Once again, we are a competetive band, so we are constantly aiming to "win" whenever we compete! We get judged by six to twelve judges, depending upon the competition so this is the real thing! I flew home on Wednesday night, I was so excited by the whole attitude of the band. Once again, they are stepping up year after year. This will truly be one of the top bands on the island in a very short time! Thanks to everyone and have a great Summer! Remember to get those forms in!

Final Numbers and going up a class

One of the most exciting things with being a competetive marching band director is when the program grows. In 2004 the band had about 60 members, 2005 went to 88 members, 2006 was 123 members and this year will be around 140 members. This growth is impressive. Many bands have trouble maintaining their 50 to 80 members. The band is becoming more and more of a fixture on the Long Island Band scene! People really know who we are. With the unprecedented jump from last place in 2005 to second place and a silver medal in 2006, the New York State Field Band Conference approved our move to the higher class SS2 (small school 2). When I asked the band in November if they wanted to move up or stay in the class 3 which was obviously a better position to win, they overwhelmingly wanted to go up to SS2. This was no shock to me. The Roslyn kids are very competetive, very ambitious, and always looking for a challenge. I love the students here, their work ethic, and ambitions. I requested the move and it was approved in short order. So now for the good news. We are probably one of the largest competetive bands in New York State. With the exception of West Genesee (who was around 150 members) I don't think any band tops the 140 mark in terms of size. For a small school like Roslyn this is incredible. The band is totally cool in our district and more and more people are joining each year. It is so exciting!

Thanks 2007 Graduates! You are the Best!

Tonight was the dessert and recognition party. It was very emotional to see this senior class pass on their leadership positions to the new student leaders. I am at a loss for words on how difficult it will be to go on without the seniors of 2007. This class has the most great leaders that I have ever seen. The reason the band went from last place to second place is clearly from their superior leadership, resiliency, and energy. They psyched the band up at every turn. They helped the staff keep energized by their leadership and hard work ethic. They made the band totally cool in the high school. I want to let the drum majors, captains, and officers know how much they have to do with "building this dynasty." They will be in our hearts forever. Keep in touch, stop by often, you are part of this great family forever!