in uniform...
the battery and marching winds!
Pit, I couldn't get decent shots of you guys from the stands. I'm sure you're heartbroken!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Introducing...the Pit!
At long last, I managed to get some photos of the pit! Here they are in all their magnificent splendor. Now if I could just catch them dancing...
And of course, no drumline is complete without the drum major! Here's Kevin, working hard.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Keeshan's full name!
Finally! I was able to upload a video! Here is Isaac (turned 3 on Friday) showing off his memorization skills...
I'll continue to try to load a video of DRUMLINE-related stuff!
I'll continue to try to load a video of DRUMLINE-related stuff!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Thanks for your hard work!
Hello everyone,
Congratulations on surviving band camp, 2008! And not only did you survive, you made something out of it. I've asked for a lot from each of you this week, and I hope that you're as proud of your accomplishments as I am! Here are some photos for your enjoyment...
Unfortunately, I only got the pit folks in video (not in still shots), and I am still unable to upload videos from my iphoto for some reason. Argh! I'll be sure and get some still photos of the pit next time! These students have worked very hard, often totally self-led, on music and instruments with which they're all unfamiliar, and they've pretty much nailed it all. Accomplishing that, plus learning the very difficult task of relying on their ears to stay with the band as the sound travels across the field and sidelines has been a huge job. On top of that, they have choreographed some great dance moves, not to mention the "dance" of just getting around to their different instruments. These are brave and sturdy folks, and we (battery, instructors, and Dr. Bryant) are all proud to have them be a part of the drumline!
Circle drill with Keeshan--now that I know how circle drill works, you can bet we'll be doing more of that!
Today, I just tried to capture random shots of the kids as they marched--somewhat tricky with them being far across the field with other musicians marching between us and the delay on the camera shutter.
I was intrigued by the results where I did actually catch a shot of a drummer. Which of these bass drummers is not like the others? Which of these drummers is following instructions?
Kudos to Shelly, who in this photo at least, is watching the drum major!!
One of each: snare, cymbal player, and tenors...
Keeshan was a big help the past couple of days. Here, he's standing on the sidelines, trying to play it for you!
Jordan makes teaching drumline look as easy as playing in the sand with a toddler....hmmm.
In all seriousness, Jordan's help was absolutely invaluable the past two weeks. He co-wrote the music, he was my slack-up-taker in rehearsals, an errand runner, AND moral support. And to top it all off, he and Keeshan made a run to Ingles for diapers this morning when Isaac and I found ourselves in a desperate situation! Thanks so much, guys!
That's my son, Isaac, in the above photo, by the way. He's about a third of the way toward being able to say Keeshan's entire name.
Maybe the best pay-off of the whole two weeks--having the entire marching band dance and yell to your cadence! I hope all of you thoroughly relished that joyous moment! (The drumline is hidden inside the circle of crazy dancing teenagers!) Just wait until you're playing for bleachers full of folks!
You guys rock! Have a great weekend, and come ready to move forward on Tuesday!
Congratulations on surviving band camp, 2008! And not only did you survive, you made something out of it. I've asked for a lot from each of you this week, and I hope that you're as proud of your accomplishments as I am! Here are some photos for your enjoyment...
Unfortunately, I only got the pit folks in video (not in still shots), and I am still unable to upload videos from my iphoto for some reason. Argh! I'll be sure and get some still photos of the pit next time! These students have worked very hard, often totally self-led, on music and instruments with which they're all unfamiliar, and they've pretty much nailed it all. Accomplishing that, plus learning the very difficult task of relying on their ears to stay with the band as the sound travels across the field and sidelines has been a huge job. On top of that, they have choreographed some great dance moves, not to mention the "dance" of just getting around to their different instruments. These are brave and sturdy folks, and we (battery, instructors, and Dr. Bryant) are all proud to have them be a part of the drumline!
Circle drill with Keeshan--now that I know how circle drill works, you can bet we'll be doing more of that!
Today, I just tried to capture random shots of the kids as they marched--somewhat tricky with them being far across the field with other musicians marching between us and the delay on the camera shutter.
I was intrigued by the results where I did actually catch a shot of a drummer. Which of these bass drummers is not like the others? Which of these drummers is following instructions?
Kudos to Shelly, who in this photo at least, is watching the drum major!!
One of each: snare, cymbal player, and tenors...
Keeshan was a big help the past couple of days. Here, he's standing on the sidelines, trying to play it for you!Jordan makes teaching drumline look as easy as playing in the sand with a toddler....hmmm.
In all seriousness, Jordan's help was absolutely invaluable the past two weeks. He co-wrote the music, he was my slack-up-taker in rehearsals, an errand runner, AND moral support. And to top it all off, he and Keeshan made a run to Ingles for diapers this morning when Isaac and I found ourselves in a desperate situation! Thanks so much, guys!
That's my son, Isaac, in the above photo, by the way. He's about a third of the way toward being able to say Keeshan's entire name.
Maybe the best pay-off of the whole two weeks--having the entire marching band dance and yell to your cadence! I hope all of you thoroughly relished that joyous moment! (The drumline is hidden inside the circle of crazy dancing teenagers!) Just wait until you're playing for bleachers full of folks!
You guys rock! Have a great weekend, and come ready to move forward on Tuesday!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Last Day of Band Camp tomorrow!
Today was another very nice day for band camp! The kids worked hard to perfect their marching on the first and second songs of their show, so it was a lucky thing that the weather was beautiful and mild. Though I'm happy with the progress we made on marching, I'm a little disappointed that we weren't able to make time to work on the third song today. That's where the big drum break is! I'm hoping we'll get some time tomorrow morning to work on it, but I'm not sure what the sectional time will allow. I have told the kids that they are required to have the 1st and 2nd songs memorized by rehearsal tomorrow morning. Most of them are very close already, and I know this is something they can do.
I tried to put a video of marching rehearsal here, but for some reason, I can't seem to upload video. I'll try again later...
Another thing that must happen is that the students need to practice their parts at home with metronomes, and they need to go over their show music every day between tomorrow and the next rehearsal, which won't be until next Thursday. Ack! We definitely don't want to have to do any back-tracking and re-learning of music, marching, etc. Going through the steps and music mentally is also a good way to practice.
It was really fun to see the students this evening in a non-working setting. Thanks again to the Crouches for hosting! There will be other opportunities for the drumline students to get together outside of rehearsal, some of which I may orchestrate, but most of which will be initiated by the students themselves.
See you in the morning!
I tried to put a video of marching rehearsal here, but for some reason, I can't seem to upload video. I'll try again later...
Another thing that must happen is that the students need to practice their parts at home with metronomes, and they need to go over their show music every day between tomorrow and the next rehearsal, which won't be until next Thursday. Ack! We definitely don't want to have to do any back-tracking and re-learning of music, marching, etc. Going through the steps and music mentally is also a good way to practice.
It was really fun to see the students this evening in a non-working setting. Thanks again to the Crouches for hosting! There will be other opportunities for the drumline students to get together outside of rehearsal, some of which I may orchestrate, but most of which will be initiated by the students themselves.
See you in the morning!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Whew! Band Camp!
Today was MUCH better! Not only was the weather much cooler than yesterday, the students came in and did some really good intense work on music! We spent the morning working on the first two show tunes and not only did we fix a lot of problems, I think many of the students are well on the way to having their music memorized. This is good, because as I mentioned this afternoon, students need to have those parts memorized by tomorrow morning. The band is clipping along at an unusually quick pace--they've already learned all of the marching drill to the 3rd tune. The drumline started learning it this afternoon, so we're playing a bit of catch-up, and it's very difficult to march drill and play and carry and read music all at the same time. If we work hard tomorrow and Saturday morning (and don't do any back-tracking), we'll be in good shape for parent preview, and we can start adding some fun components to the show (visuals!) in the next couple of weeks.
Students, I'm looking forward to working with all of you tomorrow! Rest well, and get a foot or back rub if you can!
Students, I'm looking forward to working with all of you tomorrow! Rest well, and get a foot or back rub if you can!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tough Day!
Today was TOUGH!! And I know the kids will back me up on this. The stress level got ramped up as the battery (marching drummers/cymbals) wound up learning and marching drill for the second song, which they barely know the music for. The pit got their first real taste of trying to play along with the band--usually a pretty difficult experience. In fact, today I remembered for the first time in many years the first couple of days I played in the pit in my own high school band--I was often in tears of frustration and embarassment those first couple of days. Plus, of course it was crazy hot outside, and we're lugging heavy equipment and instruments all around the campus in the heat.
I myself am learning some valuable lessons this week (drink more water, push the kids harder, push the kids less, clone myself so I can work with everyone at once), some of which will be easier to achieve than others. The bottom line, and I'm talking to you students when I say this, is that what you did today was very difficult. Especially considering that most of you are complete marching drumline rookies. I appreciate that fact, and I am looking for ways to make this experience better for everyone. I know that several of you are very stressed out thinking that you're not going to be able to do this, and the fact is that you are "FLAT-OUT WRONG." I believe in every single one of you and your ability to do a wonderful job! Every single one of you.
If you're feeling discouraged, remember that the hardest part of camp was probably today. It was the longest day outside so far, it was the hottest day, and it was the craziest in terms of learning new music and drill. You now have learned more than half your show music. You at least partially know 8 or 9 warm-ups/cadences. You have ALL improved your playing (pit too!) and staying in step in spite of all the new stuff today. Tomorrow, we'll spend some good intensive time as a section really learning the music for the 2nd tune. We'll hopefully learn at least part of the 3rd tune. If you come in focused and believe in yourselves (as I do!), we will make progress that you will not believe. Please hang with me and trust me, and know that I am constantly on the look-out for ways to refine my expectations and the way that I ask for things from you.
I am looking forward to seeing all of your spunky faces in the morning!
Parents, please do what you can in terms of supporting the amazing job that your child is doing. Ask your student how it's going at camp, and give lots of encouragement! Plan to attend parent preview this Saturday evening.
Also, everyone, I think it would be really therapeutic, not to mention fun, for us to get together for an easy dinner and some chill time on Friday evening. I would love to host a cook-out at my place, but logistics are a little hard since I'm on my own with my little guy this week. Also, I'm in West Asheville, and I know transportation can be an issue. Does anyone have a backyard on the Reynolds side of town that you could donate for an hour or two Friday night? We could all chip in for some pizza or burgers and just relax for some post-bandcamp celebration. Send me a quick e-mail and let me know A) if you're interested in getting together and B) if you can host or contribute to the festivities.
See you very soon!
Best,
Kari Richmond
I myself am learning some valuable lessons this week (drink more water, push the kids harder, push the kids less, clone myself so I can work with everyone at once), some of which will be easier to achieve than others. The bottom line, and I'm talking to you students when I say this, is that what you did today was very difficult. Especially considering that most of you are complete marching drumline rookies. I appreciate that fact, and I am looking for ways to make this experience better for everyone. I know that several of you are very stressed out thinking that you're not going to be able to do this, and the fact is that you are "FLAT-OUT WRONG." I believe in every single one of you and your ability to do a wonderful job! Every single one of you.
If you're feeling discouraged, remember that the hardest part of camp was probably today. It was the longest day outside so far, it was the hottest day, and it was the craziest in terms of learning new music and drill. You now have learned more than half your show music. You at least partially know 8 or 9 warm-ups/cadences. You have ALL improved your playing (pit too!) and staying in step in spite of all the new stuff today. Tomorrow, we'll spend some good intensive time as a section really learning the music for the 2nd tune. We'll hopefully learn at least part of the 3rd tune. If you come in focused and believe in yourselves (as I do!), we will make progress that you will not believe. Please hang with me and trust me, and know that I am constantly on the look-out for ways to refine my expectations and the way that I ask for things from you.
I am looking forward to seeing all of your spunky faces in the morning!
Parents, please do what you can in terms of supporting the amazing job that your child is doing. Ask your student how it's going at camp, and give lots of encouragement! Plan to attend parent preview this Saturday evening.
Also, everyone, I think it would be really therapeutic, not to mention fun, for us to get together for an easy dinner and some chill time on Friday evening. I would love to host a cook-out at my place, but logistics are a little hard since I'm on my own with my little guy this week. Also, I'm in West Asheville, and I know transportation can be an issue. Does anyone have a backyard on the Reynolds side of town that you could donate for an hour or two Friday night? We could all chip in for some pizza or burgers and just relax for some post-bandcamp celebration. Send me a quick e-mail and let me know A) if you're interested in getting together and B) if you can host or contribute to the festivities.
See you very soon!
Best,
Kari Richmond
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