Is There Life After Marching Band?

I have no idea how they do it. Music is only half of what Marching Band is about. The Drill (the actual marching and formations displayed on the field) takes up the rest of the practice. Practice that occurs after school for 2+ hours, and in the early fall in Central Texas, that means practicing in scorching heat. Then comes performing. Coming home at midnight after a Friday night football game, and to rise and be at school early on Saturday morning to travel during competition season, is the icing on the cake.

But he loves it. And he's never once complained. And when I'm beyond exhausted (and sometimes a grumpy mama), because I have to get up at midnight on a Friday night after a long work week, or 4 am on a Sunday morning to pick up my teen, I have comfort knowing that I'm not going to retrieve him from running the streets, but instead, knowing he was making music with his peers and an award winning band.

Sharing some photos cumulated from this season's performance, from the field and the stands (which I cannot take credit for). But I hope to be able to capture some of my own next year, by spending some time chaperoning, or if I'm brave enough, in the pit.