The Performance

The last few days have been spent enjoying the holidays and recovering from a massive cold/flu thing that’s been running through our home.

The Warm-Up
The concert, and everything surrounding it, was a lot of fun. We had a healthy, but light, warm-up at school before driving downtown. Most of our warm-up time on stage was spent checking various balance issues, especially percussion balance stuff. With the percussion on the back risers and the sound shells right behind them, it’s very easy for them to overpower if they’re not careful. The rest of the time was spent giving our guests a couple last minutes in front of the group, taking the photo, and having the plaque presentation from Dr. Whitwell.

As further proof that kids are kids, even in Midwest bands, I did have a saxophone kid forget his music, but did manage to get through the day without anyone asking me what we were going to play at the concert.

The Concert
It seemed to me, that if our performance at the Midwest Clinic was going to be everything I promised, we would have to be thoroughly prepared and focused, but relaxed enough that they could “enjoy the moment.” I think we struck a reasonable balance between the two during the week, and the kids seemed to have fun during their time at the conference and especially enjoy their time on stage.

Once the concert started, the time flew by every bit a quickly as I thought it would. The sound, while standing on the podium, is absolutely amazing. Maybe it’s the way the shells are angled, but I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that the best seat in the house might be right there on stage…none of the “distant” sound that can sometimes be a problem. The kids were absolutely fantastic and played great. There were, as there always are, problems during the concert, and if you know me, you know it’s been hard for me not to dwell on those the last few days. As time goes on though, I’ve been able to relax and relish the wonderful work the kids did as I listen to the recording.

Immediately following the performance we learned that we were selected to receive the John Philip Sousa Foundation “Sudler Cup” this year. I don’t even know what to write about that! Just looking down the list of the previous recipients is extremely humbling.

Arriving home after the day was the strangest feeling. At first, it was the feeling of it all being done. 8 months of intense preparations, late nights, and hard work finally finished. The reality, however, is that our concert last Friday was the culmination of over 10 years of work…the “what now?” feeling as strong as ever. For now, however, planning for the short term has me plenty busy…I’m not even 100% sure what we’ll be working on the first rehearsal back. The 2011 Midwest Clinic is the next time we are eligible to apply to perform again. That application tape will be made when our current beginners are in 8th grade! I can’t think of anything better than having another group of students have the same wonderful experience that this year’s band has had.

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