Dear Athens Drive Marching Band family and friends,
We have enjoyed a terrific band camp and are now settling into our “post camp” rehearsals. Before we get too far along in our season, I wanted to share with you the venues that have been chosen for our competitions this fall. Please consider attending as many as possible. First of all, we may need your help as a chaperone or member of our field crew. But even more importantly, it is so affirming for your child to have you in the audience! The students have been working so well together and the show is coming along quite nicely. The weather is even cooperating (except for last Friday evening–lol).
September 28 Mt. Pleasant H.S. (afternoon), Hickory Ridge H.S. (evening).
East Charlotte area…yes, a double-header! Both schools are well experienced in hosting a show.
October 5 Midway H.S. (evening)
Newton Grove, NC…relatively close to home; this is their first show ever!
October 12 Whiteoak H.S. (evening)
Jacksonville, NC…down east! Large show…first time we have attended.
October 26 Union Pines H.S. (evening)
In Cameron, NC…in our sandhills…very well established show and very friendly band. The band director’s motto is “It’s all good!” Hard not to like this guy!
November 2 North Davidson H.S. (evening)
West of Greensboro…a bit of a hike, but a great show and great people. We won this show last time–in the gym due to weather.
The usual schedule for these Saturdays is a late morning/early afternoon rehearsal at our school, then we change into 1/2 uniform and travel to the venue. The students normally receive 1 meal from our boosters. I will send you a complete schedule preceding every show so you will know exactly what is happening.
The really great thing about these shows/competitions is that the audience is so respectful and enthusiastic towards the students. It is like attending a concert of marching band shows. The competition aspect is there…but due to the nature of art and the questionable validity of assigning numbers to art, I try to make sure that this is not the main goal. Winning will often occur naturally with excellent fundamentals and solid musicianship/showmanship. I want the kids to love performing and to always be proud of their preparation and efforts.
All that said, it would certainly be fun to beat everyone:)
Thanks for all your support and enjoy these last precious weeks of summer!