To do, or NOT to do, was the big question when entering High School!
Alex had been part of the band program in Middle school from 6th to 8th grade. Funny story, when he started in 6th grade he played the flute.
Why the band teacher chose that for him, the only BOY mind you, we will never know.
However, he stuck it out, but refused to play the flute going into 7th grade.
That summer I took him for Trombone lessons at our local high school and he loved it so stuck with trombone for 7th and 8th grade.
The end of 8th grade you are faced to make the decision to join Marching band or NOT when becoming a Freshman. Mind you it is only for the children who have been with band already. You just can't decide to take band starting High School.
The reason it is such a HUGE decision, is because of the time, commitment and dedication YOU must show towards this program. Our district takes band to a level I never dreamed.
The Fort Mill Band program began in 1949
Alex's hours in a week are more than some put in a full time work week.
Our district has been winning State Championships and high rankings since 1972.
Alex is the 6th boy in who is actually looking quite stoic and serious looking up at the crowd.
They all look serious. Last night was the first live performance of the show for Parents to come and see at the foot ball stadium.
To say it gave me goose bumps, brought tears to my eyes, is an understatement.
I am proud of this group. They are all amazing young children who have worked so hard.
This year's theme is Vertigo, which was influenced by Alfred Hitchcock's movie I believe in the early 60's.
Hence the color guards funky outfits. These girls looked adorable.
ONE of them is my sons girlfriend. YES, this year he has his first girlfriend.
LOTS of changes in our house!
The moves, march, dance, play, twirls, twists, etc....
it all really knocks your socks off.
How the instructors keep it together is beyond me, and how these kids were taught in such a large group is even more baffling.
This years competition is in AKRON, OHIO!
Wish us Luck!
My boy is growing up, and experiencing life in a way I never did. I am so proud and excited for him
XO
Have a great day girls, see you later for the newbie party.
Labels: Fort Mill Marching Band
37 Comments:
Oh, yes Debbie you are a proud mom. I also love marching bands. It's just amazing the precision and movement all the while playing an instrument. Love the pics.
I didn't know if you knew your popups are in the way of your posts. I had to close two just to fully read your post.
What pop ups Marla? That is weird, I am having so many problems lately.
I didn't have any pop ups. Maybe it is fixed. Great looking band and new blog design! We went to the SMU football game last night. My husband wanted to leave before the half. I said no way! I had to see the band. The band from Louisiana (NSU) won a competiton the weekend before and beat LSU band! They were wonderful.
You should be a very proud mom!! My son played in the marching band for his 4 years in high school. Although music was never really his passion, he thoroughly enjoyed band and the friendships he made. They were a pretty tight knit group.
It sounds like your son's band is on a whole other level with their competitions. I know he will have a wonderful year.
Jane
Of course you're a proud mama. You will have so much fun watching all the band performances. When my kids were in high school, one played football and the other cheered. I was there to watch them, but I discovered the band parents were even more serious about watching their kids perform at half time.
By the way, those flags and outfits are awesome. It looks like the band uniforms match my kids' high school colors. Enjoy every bit of it.
OMGoodness,he is so handsome in his uniform.I know you had to be a proud mom..and I know they were awesome.
~JO
How exciting! Be proud Mama....hard work is paying off!!!! IT is SO important, I think, for kids to be part of both team work and competition! It teaches them so much!!!
I was so bummed I didn't wind up making the magazine copy cat party. I think I read that you will be doing it monthly though.
Hugs,
Kris
What fun. He got his hair cut I see. Looks very handsome. Ryan was in the band in middle school playing the snare drum, but did not continue in high school. He just wanted to play the real set of drums and still does at church occasionally.
O, yes, ma'am...you have the RIGHT to be so proud.
One of our grandgirls is in marching band this year...Yep...a post is in the works ...:))
what an awsomeday to see Alex in the band Fulley dressed in the fancy dud s.They look wonderful and i bet it is so exciting to see them in person wish i was there to share .Iam now the proud braging NANA
Love your stories about your family growing up and all the changes at your house. I am feeling it at my house too as my daughter is a Sophomore this year. :)
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I can see why your a proud mama!! How exciting for him! I loved the outfits the girls worn too. Martina
What a handsome boy! That is wonderful; that he has this opportunity, I am glad he has stuck it out! Hope they go all the way to Akron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky
Such a handsome, talented young man and super proud mama! Congrats!
Hi Debbie,
It is a lot of work keeping all those kids together. I taught high school colorguard for 15 years and my husband taught high school marching band for 8 years. There were some nights we didn't get home until midnight. I will say though it was well worth it. To see the look in their eyes when the crowd cheered for all their hard work would give me chills.
Enjoy this time. It goes by fast. My son is a senior this year and already it feels like the year is flying by.
Take care
Leslie
You have every right to be a proud Mama! All that hard work & dedication should be applauded.
It is wonderful to see the bands out now! Yay, a fun sign that Fall is here! And you should be a proud mom!
Congrats for a proud mother...Yes it is so an honour to have kids like your.... Wish him all the best in every acheivment of his life
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Farah
Oh how those pics bring back memories! I was on the drillteam in highschool and performed at half time with the band. We went on trips together for competitions and practiced ALOT after school. I really didn't care too much for highschool UNTIl I got on the drillteam. I know how exciting this time of life is for your son. He will make lifetime friends and learn alot from this experience. You definitely have alot to be proud of. My teenage son (now a senior) did not persue the band opportunities. I wish I could've been in the stands (like you) watching him and reminiscing.
What a handsome fella! I have always enjoyed marching bandsand it is great that he is involved. Memories he'll have forever. (and memories for his proud momma too!)
Marching band and concert band allowed me so many wonderful experiences in high school. I travelled to Canada, New York, and Myrtle Beach, SC and got to see broadway plays and much more. Those are some of my best memories of such a troubling age. It still makes my heart pound when we attend an atheltic event or parade and hear the band approaching. I hope that your son enjoys it as much as I did!
Debbie, I played in the band from 6th grade through 12 and am I so glad that I did. I was the only girl left by the 12 grade and 2 guys. I was a majorette for the last 2 years. Band was a total commitment at our little high school back in the late 60's. I am so happy for you all and know your son will never regret the time and engery that it takes. I still remember so much from band - 8 steps to five yards and picking those feet up high! Conrats PROUD
MAMA!
You should be proud and good luck! they all look so great in their uniforms!
Awww yes you ARE a proud mama! And with good cause too *winks* Kudos to your son for his hard work and determination, and congrats on the new girlfriend too *winks* ...And the times they are a changin'.... Vanna
You should be a proud mama!!! He is such a handsome boy with such a good head on his shoulders. A girlfriend...what the what???? I can't talk.. Jemma's Grant has been her "heart" for almost a year now. I am in so much trouble when this girl gets older!
You are raising two fine boys and in for many adventures!
Your blogher ad has some rollover ads just above your banner but I didn't need to click on them. Our grandson Jack started middle school and joined band playing the coronet. He seems really excited to learn it. Good Luck to them all.
How handsome he is Deb, he will certainly turn into a fine looking man, reminds me of my son Michael!
You can tell the district really is for them just by looking at their uniforms, so very professional looking!
Enjoy them the years fly by to fast!
Debbie, I so glad your son decided to do it! I was in band and I loved it! Well, I was actually in colorguard. This was the best time in my life and I would do it over again in a heartbeat! The football games, competitions, trips and endless nights acting crazy in waffle house! Good times!
Debbie- That is so awesome that he AND you (as parents) were willing to dedicate time and energy to the band. I don't think any of you will ever regret it.
hmmmm...a girlfriend? I see more and more usage of that new pizza oven in your future! xo Diana
After the pizza oven post, I scrolled down to see what else you were up too... It was so cool to see your son is in marching band. My son is too, first year of high school and he also plays the trombone. They don't have the snazzy uniforms but hope to next year. We just enjoyed our first game getting to see him perform. It is awesome what these kids can do! I could not read a note to save my life. Just a shout out from one proud momma to another =)
How fun! I used to love going to the HS football games just to see the band and dancers. I played the flute in 6th grade also!
I know you're a proud mama!
This is so fantastic. You are right these kids are so smart and talented. I can't chew gum and walk much less play an instrument and find a certain spot on a football field. They are really shock and awe!
Tell him to keep practicing. My youngest grandson just started his second year at Belmont University in Nashville, Tn. Total music scholarship. You might say he is tooting his way through school.
Hugs, Ginger
You should be proud! I hope the band performs well @ competition!
(((hugs))),
Ricki Jill
You have every right to be a proud Mama! Yes, these band kids do work hard. My son played trumpet and was a section leader in marching band. Many many hours of practice, both playing and formation marching. We sure LOVED watching their half time shows and traveling with them to competitions!
Debbie, you have every right to be a proud mom; enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy. This really brought a lot of memories for me as my son started with a clarinet - only one year; too girly he said - then we got drums! He still a great drummer at 40.
Your pictures are wonderful and what a handsome sone.
Good luck in Akron!
Peggy www.angel-babycreations.com
Oh, Debbie, I so remember all those hot days of band practice, that my son had. Great friendships were made in both schools' bands. You'll enjoy the bus trips if you chaperone! Thanks for the memories!
I know how proud you are! I had 2 in marching band. My middle son's band was very competitive and went to Dayton and then marched in the Macy's parade! That was so much fun. He was played tenor. My youngest plays the trombone. They are not as competitive here and that sort of disappointed him when we moved here. But he still loves it!
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