What Does It Take to be a Champion?
I have a confession to make: we're a band family.
I know, I know, but high school marching band is a big part of our family. And outside of Don McLean's "American Pie," there's not a lot of respect for high schoolers in marching band.
My oldest daughter, Kathryn, marched for four years in the Plymouth Canton Marching Band. She started out playing the flute (get it?), then decided she wanted something more challenging.
So she switched to sousaphone.
That's a tuba to you and me. Juuuuuuuust a bit heavier than a flute.
While Kathryn was with the band, they made three trips to the state finals, three trips to Grand Nationals, and a trip to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. They were national finalists, and State Champs in 2012.
My other two children are now in the same band. Samantha, in her second year, plays the alto saxophone. Drew is in Pit, the non-marching percussion part of the band, playing xylophone.
Last Saturday, they played at Ford Field in Detroit, in the Michigan Competing Band Association State Finals. They competed in Flight 1, the class for the largest bands. They had a great performance, and were rewarded with the State Championship, and all three captions:
- Outstanding Music Performance
- Outstanding Visual Performance
- Outstanding General Effect
In other words, a sweep. And one of the more dominating performances by any team at Ford Field this year (lookin' at you, Lions!).
Later this year, they'll board charter flights to California, to march in the Rose Parade, in Pasadena, on January 1, 2016. I expect another great performance there.
But what do these kids do to become champions?
Well, as you might expect, they put in a lot of practice time. A LOT of practice time.
Every year, about 1/4 of the band is brand new, and may have never marched before. In order to get the noobs in shape for competition, the band practices during the summer. They go for a week in June, a week in July, and three weeks in August. Generally, practices run long, up to 12 hours.
Outside, usually.
In the summer heat.
There's usually a few tears during the summer, particularly for those who haven't done this before. It's a lot of work, learning to function as a team, and to play an effective role in the team.
If you haven't seen some of the top high school marching bands, take a look on YouTube. The performances are amazing, especially when you consider that about 1/4 of the kids were marching for the first time, a few months ago.
Now, through practice, coaching, teaching, and mentoring, they function as a single unit. Each teen knows their place in the overall scheme, and has memorized the intricate choreography necessary to stay in place with their fellow band members. They play the four or five songs they have been taught, that they have played and practiced hundreds of times before. They've honed their skills, and they're ready to compete.
Do you think this might be good preparation for life? Do you think these work habits will translate into the job market?
I'm pretty sure these skills will serve them well in their careers.
Maybe we should start looking for "band geek" on resumes . . .