It’s almost September and children across our state are getting ready to go back to school. Teachers prepare for their classes and parents rush to super stores looking for the best deals on notebooks, pencils, and calculators.

But there is a select group of students who have already been hard at work, readying themselves for this season. In the burning hot sun, they’ve labored to improve their skills for the field. Last month, they persisted through long hours at camp, so that they can be the best. Now, with their uniforms proudly worn, helmets in place, they eagerly await their first game. You know who I’m talking about: the High School Marching Band.

Were you thinking about the football team? Isn’t it funny how much the football team and the marching band have in common?  I don’t think I’ll mention that in the mixed company of full-backs and clarinetists.

I realize that most of us don’t go to high school football games to hear the marching band perform at half time. (Except for me. I’m a band-mom. I go to the games simply for the thrill of hearing the band.)  Many folks quickly make their way to concessions during half time and miss one of the best parts of a football game.

Marching Band. They don’t get a lot of press, which in my book is a shame. As I stood there Friday night, listening to the amazing music these kids have been mastering for weeks and weeks, I admit that I got a little choked up.  Teenagers spending their Friday nights and Saturdays and at least two other days a week, learning notes, cadences, the intricacies of their particular instrument, keeping time, and then learning how to move in correct formation with one another is nothing but outstanding. Not to take away from the earned glory of football players and their coaches, but the students in band work just as hard as the athletes who run plays and earn points. It takes hard work, dedication, and a love for music to make it in band.

Not fully sure why I’m blogging about marching bands.  I guess because I really appreciate the commitment put into it and then the wonderful results. Music is food for our souls. What would a parade be without a marching band?  And, certainly, our football games are better for it.  So if you know a band member, say thanks today. They make us sound a lot better.

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One Response to “Sounds of September”

1. jacquelyn shaw carpino says:

   September 2, 2010 at 1:42 pm

   1945-1954 My career in the highschool marhcing band. A small school in SE Kansas. A Proud School, hardworking christian community. We had an excellent band instructor/teacher.
   Our band marched and played everywhere for holiday, homecoming’s, concert’s at the city park band dome and ice cream social.
   I played one of the lead chair’s, coronet/trumpet,which was rare for a girl in those days.
   Our community had a Spaghetti Dinner to raise money for our new Blue Uniforms. Practice was on the football field everyday for one hour when necessary. I remember when Kansas State Teachers College/now/Pittsburg State University, had “Mass Band Day” on their football field. Area band were invited. We got to go to the football game free/sack lunch and rehearse “Precision Marching” and march on field in front of the audience.
   We were not considered “NERDS” for wearing a band uniform and playing an instrument.

   Present Day; I listen to conversation about the “NERDS” who play in the band.

   To those of you who have never played an instrument, marched on a football field playing an instrument, think about this;

   Studying and playing an instrument, takes intelligence, co-ordination, timeing, music appreciation, hard work, perseverance, stamina.

   Thank God For Highschool Bands!