jbrih13

This year my band marched 157 or 158 sets. Of all 4 years of marching this was the hardest show I have ever marched, musically and physically.

We run, and do push up. This one time the french horn section was horrible at a rehersal. They stood on the 50 while everyone else ran 2 laps..... . This fresheman last year did something really bad and our director made all of leadership and that freshmen run 2 laps and the rest of the band had to jumping jacks until every person was back in the block, it was crucial. Our director loves to torture us with jumping jacks.

The way we do it is in the morining during symphonic band class (our top band) the canidates pick number out of a hat to determine who goes in what order. In numerical order you go into the band hall and "teach" symphonic band a piece of music Crest of Nobility. U have about 1 minute for the explaniation period then u conduct it. The judges are in the room and they video tape u. After school everyone (the judges,band and canidates) goes to the athletic complex. We do simple marching fundmentals for everyone in a little block (depending on how many people are trying out) and then we preform a marching routine with choreography. After that we come out one by one (numerical again) and "teach" a block of band kids either forward or backward march (u have 2 minutes to teach each step and get them moving). Line test (what i struggled in last year). They split up the canidates in two groups and they sit u in the middle of the field (keep in mind the whole time through out the audution the entire band and judges are watching u) they give u a random tempo and give u a time signature. U have to be able to tell if the tempo is 160 or below (our rebound pattern) or above 160 (our stopped pattern). They give u 8 clicks then they cut it off and u have to keep the tempo for 8 bars. On the cut off (if u are right) ur hands should be up over your head (for the horns down) on 9. We do a podium test where we indivudially conduct the opener for grand nats year this year (usually its the new opener) and do our comands before. Question and answer: and band member asked u a question and u answer it in the best of your ability. Interview with the directors/judges: self explanitory (sp?) its alot and its scary. I hope i get it this year...pray for me guys!!!!

Im trying out for DM this year. This is year number 3 for me I even tried out as a freshmen. But yeah, im like nervous/scared/excited/anxious all in one. This would be so much easier if we would have 4 dm's then i know for sure i would be one lol. But it doesnt work that way. Im ready for thrusday, i dont have next year to try out, they say 3rd time is a charm.

yeah both of our drum majors were seniors to, so it will be kinda weird for us...hopefully I'll be one of the ones on the podium this coming marching season!!!!! (auditions in 2 days!!)

Im hungry...other than that Ok What is the REAL purpose for going to school????

TTS: Kids being rude during the shattered lives saying "what if a giant snake fell down and ate them...hahaha."

Ive done that before, expept it was a practice room door. TTAF: I happened to be looking out of the window in class, and this girl walks down the hall (she clearly cant walk in heels) and she trips over nothing and hits the ground!! LOL

I think it is s trombone this year hahaha

Shut up...I know they are refered to as a "piece." i choose to call them songs because its is my own personal perference, thank u very much. My 2 cents..hehehehe

I want to do someting great our senior year..this should be fun!!! The student teacher was have (Mr. Ruth i think), he needs to be a bit more vocal around these here parts.... U have to be talkative, in this band program God knows the band is and the directors (Mr. Hall) sure as heck are.

i was talking to some people who were in our band when they won Grant Nats in 03' and they were saying part of their success was due to the fact that Geiger was positive when he was out there, he movitated everyone to want to continue, and he pushed them. that made many of them want to be there to, they wanted to win not only for themselves but for their director who was willing to do anything for anyone one of them...we cant say we have that motivation from the band or directors anymore...its sad, and discourageing

I dont think our staff is positive enough, and their negativity is weighing down one our success. If u have someone yelling at u constantly, and bringing you down, instead of helping you fix your problems, and giving you at least a little praise and encouragement then most people would not want to work hard and continue, to give it their all, and that is enough to make our band suffer as a whole during competitions (not getting placements we "think" we deserve).

Westfield Symphonic band is playing Hindmeth's Symphonic metamorphsis (i cant spell ..mvt I is crazy, but my fav) Baron Cemitiers Mambo (all state last year...I Love this song) and Melody shop by King ( I hate this march)

I think the whole band should play the stuff pep band plays, just to adds some flavor and appeal to most of our crowd, and still play the old stuff we play for the older people that like it...balance and variety