High School Marching Band - Another Chapter Ends

 One of the highlights of Michael's high school journey has been his participation in the marching band.  He loves music.  His desire is to be a high school band director.  At the end of his junior year he tried out to be drum major and also to be on the impact team, which was a group of kids from each section that would help lead the band.  When he didn't make either one he was upset and frankly so was I.  In the end, it was a blessing, Michael excelled in his own right and was still a leader in many areas and mentored many people and continues to do.  Him and some other high schools have started a music mentor program with the middle school.

We went to every band competition and was so proud of our kids.  I guess I just don't understand the scoring system like I used to because we were constantly shocked at where our kids placed, especially at the last competition where we didn't even make the finals.  You know you are somewhat validated when people from other schools tell you that you were robbed.  The reality is that our band in some competitions rested on our laurels to slide through to the finals and when we didn't, it was a serious shock.  There were times when you could see on the kid's countenance that they knew they did an awesome job and later many tears were shed.  These moments are emotional.

I loved watching Michael, there is something to be said about having your child in the front ensemble where you can see him plain and clear.  I can tell by the way he moves his body and his facial expressions how he feels he is doing.  It's truly a joy to watch him become one with the music.  I know Michael is going to continue to do great things with his music.  It has been pure happiness watching him the last four years.

Michael during senior night waving to his fans.  Seriously, he had the loudest cheering section.  GO MICHAEL!!!

Tiger Pride Marching Band at CMU

We had our first band competition of the season and I cannot even begin to talk about how proud I am of our kids! I'm also sad that this is Michael's last year...I am still completely in denial that he is a senior.

I know that our band was frustrated yesterday after their 3rd place finish in field. As I sat in the stands shocked at the results along with many others not even from Waynesville, I immediately felt such disappointment for our kids. As I have had a chance to ponder yesterday, I feel immense pride for these amazing youth. I think about all they have endured as they prepared for their first competition of the season.

Many of them have parents or family who have deployed or returned home from a deployment. They carry the constant worry of a loved one in harm's way or are dealing with the aftermath of constant separation. Many have moved into our school district or are preparing to move to another school due to a Military move. They dealt with a massive flood in our community that canceled a week of band camp and has resulted in a lot of shifting as they have had to move around practices, not to mention that many of these students were directly affected by the flood itself.

They endured intense heat during practice and a new turf field which hasn't completely settled yet. Add into that the government shutdown and the fact that many have that stress in their lives as they have parents/siblings/extended family members who were furloughed or who don't know when they may get paid and who do not know how this will affect their livelihood.

I am proud of the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Band and how they give all they have no matter what is thrown at them!

Why is the Football Team on Our Field?

Michael's Marching Band season seemed extremely short this year.  They played at every home game but only had three marching band competitions.  He played in the PIT again this year and enjoyed it.  He really wants to play the mallets next year so he is already practicing.  This year he played the different auxiliary instruments like the triangle, gong and other things I don't know the names of.  He just moves a lot during each performance. 

I love all the marching band kids, they have so much fun together and a pretty tight-knit group.  They own their band nerd status and I love that about them.

For parades and stuff, Michael plays the flute (that he taught himself how to play) so he can march with the rest of the band, I admire that about him.  He really wants to pursue music in college and is doing everything he can to be as prepared as possible.

The band did okay this season at competitions.  They placed first at one, second at the other and at the largest one they didn't place at all.  According to Michael, some of our kids still have some growing up to do and may have cost them points in some areas.  Overall he is happy with his marching band season and is now doing concert band and back on the bassoon.  

Fall Activities!

It's FALL and I love it! But it means a busy time for us in the Albrecht Squad. We are full of activity here. Two of the boys have football and of course their practices either happen at the same time or at way different times! Our oldest is in the Marching band and he has practice either at the same time or way different times. I feel bad for all of them because they can have long days and nights and then turn around and do it again. They are all loving life though, they are happy doing what they want. All of the boys are doing so well and really gaining some great experience in their areas. I love how they all want to support one another. The two younger boys LOVE pointing out that their big brother is in the Marching Band...really, I dare you to say something smart about the band around them! I also love how each of the boys wants to be at all the other kid's games. It is hard because Daniel has practice the same day that Michael has marching band practice and Neil has a game. I hate being split apart but we want to support everyone so as parents we have to split. October will be interesting since the husband has an exercise he will be participating in at another installation. That means I get to figure out where to be and when. It will all work out, thankfully we have great friends who will be there to cheer on our kids when we aren't able to for whatever reason.

Here are some pics of our kids. I'm excited to make them into to buttons so I can be "that" crazy mama!

First Day of School 2011

Where did the summer go? I mean seriously, I swear the boys just got out of school and now they have to go back? I'm grateful for the adventures they got to participate in this year but as anyone who has been reading my blog for a few years knows, I do not like sending my kids back to school. I am always so sad. I just love hanging out with my boys. I think they were ready to go back to school. You know kids, they are always in denial but you can tell that they are no longer enjoying each others company and they bicker a little more. The weather was so hot for a while they couldn't really enjoy being outside and they aren't big gamers so being inside wasn't a thrill either. They were ready even if mom wasn't.

The report from all three boys was that school was "okay". Michael and Neil said the first day is always kind of boring because it's all the reviews and such. Daniel is very excited about his teacher who happens to enjoy doing LOTS of science experiments. I just realized that all three of my boys have now had male teachers for 5th grade.

I got up this morning and made them each breakfast. I kept it simple, making them eggs in a toast. I like to add a little extra special love by cutting the center out with a heart cookie cutter. Kevin also called each of the boys this morning to wish them a great day at school. (Someday he will be home for the first day of school!)

Each of the boys heads out at different times so I made it three times but it is so worth it, I love making my boys feel special. After I dropped Daniel off, I spent the day teaching Army Family Team Building classes. We had some great students in our class which was really nice because it helped keep my mind off of missing my boys so much. I rushed home so I could see them right as they got home from school. I just love those moments and am so grateful to be able to do that. The first day is always the hardest and then we quickly fall into a routine. I know they will all three have a wonderful year. I also know they will be keeping us pretty busy chauffeuring them around. Michael has Marching band (see picture below), and both Neil & Daniel will be playing football. All three will continue to work on their Scouting requirements and as a family we will continue to do service throughout our community. This is going to be a great 2011-2012 school year!

Earlier this evening, we had our annual "Meet the Tigers" Football Scrimmage at the football field. The Marching Band gets to show off what they worked on during band camp and we get to see the first glimpse of their competition piece. Michael is in the "PIT" again as part of the percussion. I seriously get tired watching him during the different pieces because he walks all around playing the different percussion instruments. I put together a collage of just the majority of what he played today. I am so impressed and so proud of him! You can click the picture to make it bigger!