A Parent

The only rule that I know of for schools in IN is one that says they have to take 1 or 2 weeks off just before school starts in August. It applies to all school activities, not just band. Avon has wonderful community as well as school administration support so in that aspect they are very lucky. I know during the school year, they do roughly 15-20 hours a week of practice. During the summer it is a little more than that but can't remember how much and yes there are some 12 hour day but not all of that is actual practice. Whether that is considered fair to other bands that is a topic all on its own. Personally I think Grand Nationals should be held in different states on a rotating basis, again another topic for discussion.

One thing about Lake Central that you may not have heard, they had a trailer accident on the way to ISSMA state finals and lost alot of equipment. They ended up borrowing stuff from other bands that night to perform. So not sure if that had any lingering effects. I don't think so but one may never know.

I wrote and posted this on IM.com but I figured it can apply equally as well here. Enjoy! Sung to the tune of 'Silver Bells" Sidelines quiet, Stadiums silent No more nights out past 9 In the air Marching season is over Instructors yelling Shoes are smelling Greeting band after band And every present person does hear Bands all around, love all that sound Marching time is over in Indy For a new score, we want so more Soon a new season will be here Horns are polished To perfection Reflect a quite brilliant night As the parents rush and Go buy refreshments Invitationals BOA Finals This is our Olympic stage And the crowd yes does Finally hear Bands all around, a Champion crowned Marching time is over in Indy Another Encore, we want so more Soon a new season will be here!!!

It may look predictable but I feel it is far from it. To many variables come into play. Take Avon (IN) for instance. Would you believe roughly 35% of their band this year was either a freshman or a first time marcher? That is about 90 kids! Makes you wonder what the instructors think everytime a new season starts. I can't imagine having to do that every year and next years class will be slightly bigger When Avon started winning consistently, I feel that is when the students picked themselves up and decided that this is something they want. That is also when they realized that it is harder to stay on top than to get to the top. In some aspects having a dynasty is good. It marks a point in time where a change to a particular subject has occured, and people can look back on it, study it, learn it, understand it and what impact it had on the profession. Every school with a competitive marching band will leave their mark on this sport whether or not they make it to the top. Some will leave a bigger mark but not out of spite, greed or selfishness but out of the joy of doing something they love. What a way to depart!