As the students filed back into their seats, I asked one of the staff members if the students got to take a few minutes to rest. After all, they had been going full tilt since 9:30 a.m. "A little," he said, but I did not see much evidence of it. Immediately after they got to their seats, they played the fight song and the Wabash Cannonball. That isn't rest!
Once the game got going, however, the students were each given an apple. They immediately chomped into them, and I wondered what would happen if they needed to play. Sure enough, before the apples were completely distributed, the band had to play a song. I did not look to see how the students handled their mouthful of apples, but I would bet there were apple bits in some of the instruments! (I am gagging again!)
I did notice then that, at least for a few minutes, the band did not play. I don't know if that was to give the students a rest, or if it was because the game was rather boring. Dr. Tracz, while standing on his podium, said to me, "This isn't much fun," to which I agreed. Within about a minute of his comment, Daniel Sams threw a pass to Tyler Lockett for a touchdown. And the rowdiness began again!
I wanted to stay until the beginning of the fourth quarter, as I thought it would be fun to see the fourth-quarter song up close. The players have hand motions that go with the song, and a group of adults in the upper deck do a dance with it. Since it is hard to see from our seats, I decided to remain with the band until the song was over. When it started, I showed one of the staff members the group of dancers above. The particular staff member did not realize the adults were dancing, though they have been doing it since Kenneth was in school (or before). I enjoyed seeing the routine from a different angle . . . but my legs and feet were getting weary.
I decided to join my family for the last quarter, and it worked out well. I got to see the best part of the game from a better vantage point (it is hard to see anything that happens when standing on the sidelines. I watched the large video board the entire time). I did enjoy seeing the final quarter of the game from our seats. But I am so very grateful to have experienced the Band Director for the Day. I learned a lot about what it takes to have a strong band program, and I gained a deeper respect for the musicians involved.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Making Connections
Throughout the day, I talked with a variety of people with whom I made connections. The baton twirlers' coach is originally from Dodge City, and Don's family knew her dad. One of the twirlers took lessons from Erin Hiers, the daughter of some friends from Dodge City. I heard that the male drum major was from Dodge, so I asked him if he knows my nephew, Eric. Not only do they know each other, they were in Les Miz together in high school. I went to one of the performances, so I saw him in the production. Who would have known?
Then there were the connections with the young people. I met several high school students who were visiting from Maize and Kansas City. As I walked off the field after half time, a number of the band members asked me if I had fun. One of the tuba players stopped to talk with me. The dance team members smiled at me as I directed, then encouraged me afterwards. The drum majors talked with me. The staff members lent their support as well.
The handshake with Arthur Brown and Tyson Hartman, seeing Gordon Dowell from the Foundation (who had Mr. Navarro, another band supporter, with him), running into Casey Scott (who was in our wedding), as well as getting to see Dr. Tracz in action . . . well, I had no idea the day would be so action packed. Several times I felt dizzy, there was so much going on. I had no idea . . . and the day wasn't done!
Then there were the connections with the young people. I met several high school students who were visiting from Maize and Kansas City. As I walked off the field after half time, a number of the band members asked me if I had fun. One of the tuba players stopped to talk with me. The dance team members smiled at me as I directed, then encouraged me afterwards. The drum majors talked with me. The staff members lent their support as well.
The handshake with Arthur Brown and Tyson Hartman, seeing Gordon Dowell from the Foundation (who had Mr. Navarro, another band supporter, with him), running into Casey Scott (who was in our wedding), as well as getting to see Dr. Tracz in action . . . well, I had no idea the day would be so action packed. Several times I felt dizzy, there was so much going on. I had no idea . . . and the day wasn't done!
HALF TIME!
The time has finally arrived. Half time! After a not-so-exciting first half, I was looking forward to hearing the band. The drum majors, dance team, and flag bearers had returned, dressed in Les Miserables costumes, and once the field cleared, they took their places.
I have frequently felt bad for the band when the stands cleared, but never more so than this time. I had seen firsthand how hard they had worked and prepared. The west stands had emptied pretty well, but the students remained. I was glad for that.
After the Homecoming festivities were over, the band came onto the field and began their performance. They performed several songs from Les Miserables, the dance team performed, and the drum line had a wonderful solo that included drummers shifting from drum to drum.
And then it was time for the fight song. Oh boy. Amazingly, I was not a bit nervous. I think it is because I knew that no matter what I did, the band would continue playing. As I climbed onto the podium, the announcer said I was the Band Director for the Day, the drum major started the band, and we were off!
I have frequently felt bad for the band when the stands cleared, but never more so than this time. I had seen firsthand how hard they had worked and prepared. The west stands had emptied pretty well, but the students remained. I was glad for that.
After the Homecoming festivities were over, the band came onto the field and began their performance. They performed several songs from Les Miserables, the dance team performed, and the drum line had a wonderful solo that included drummers shifting from drum to drum.
 |
| The flag team is dressed as peasants. |
I looked at the jumbotron, only to see a fat woman leading the band . . . oh, that's me! I looked away, and continued directing until the end of the fight song. It was really fun. And then it was over.
The band came off the field, and I once again found myself in the middle of a bunch of instruments. The students filed back up into the stands to get ready for the third quarter. There is no rest for the weary!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Game Time!
Back when I was in school, we had a yell leader named Larry Dixon who led the students in cheers. And we actually cheered with him. Now Dr. Tracz is the one who gets the students involved . . . and he does so in a big way. I neglected to mention that at pre-game, when the students are in the stands but no one else is, the students and the band have a whole routine. The students sit down during the fight song, then suddenly pop up and begin their roudiness. Dr. Tracz just fuels the fire!
And if I thought things were busy before, once the game started, things moved at lightning speed. I always wondered how the band knew when to play . . . now I know. One of Dr. Tracz's staff members stands next to his podium, headset on, voice ready. He has a direct line to "the god of football logistics." That person tells him how much time they are going to have to play, what is on the video board prior to the band, or anything else he needs to know. The conversation to Dr. Tracz from the staff member might have been something like this:
"Two minute break; Junior Wildcat; Fan of the Game; 45 seconds to play."
"No. Injury on the field. Only 30 seconds."
In that time, Dr. Tracz has to decide what tune the band will play, signal the band members, and be ready at a moment's notice. Then he may have to change the tune because something unexpected - such as an injury - has occurred. He has a set of cards that he shows the band, and when it is time, the students know what they are to do. They have choreographed certain drum movements, trombone movements, tuba movements . . . and they are hilarious.
Now, not to seem like a wimp or anything, but for some reason, despite the fact that I love bands, I am grossed out by instruments that collect saliva. Let's leave it at that. So, as I am standing below Dr. Tracz's podium, I see the trombonists start to empty their trombones . . . right next to the wall where my coat is. Oh what to do? I don't want to seem rude . . . but I really don't want saliva all over my coat. So I walked over and began to move it. One of the trombonists commented that he was really glad I did that because he would have felt really bad if he had dripped on it. I was so grateful he had noticed and had been careful. I asked about a suitcase that was next to the coat, but they said they could work around it. Great . . . frankly I surprised myself that I didn't gag on the spot (but as I type this, I am having a little trouble :) So I put the coat down out of harm's way, and the game went on!
Every time something great happened, Dr. Tracz got the band going. . . and the students. He kept the entire section energized, despite a rather lackluster half. When the West Virginia punter had a little trouble, some of the horn section started yelling, "High School punter." Suddenly, a football came reeling towards us . . . the punter missed his practice net. It almost hit me, but I wonder if he did it intentionally to shut the band up. Didn't work! Got worse!
At the quarter, the drum majors, baton twirlers, flag team and others left to change costumes. I wondered what that was about but knew I would soon find out. Then with five minutes left in the second quarter, the band began to empty onto the track to get ready for the half-time show. Uh oh. That meant my directing opportunity was about to come up. It was going to be fun. So here we go!
And if I thought things were busy before, once the game started, things moved at lightning speed. I always wondered how the band knew when to play . . . now I know. One of Dr. Tracz's staff members stands next to his podium, headset on, voice ready. He has a direct line to "the god of football logistics." That person tells him how much time they are going to have to play, what is on the video board prior to the band, or anything else he needs to know. The conversation to Dr. Tracz from the staff member might have been something like this:
"Two minute break; Junior Wildcat; Fan of the Game; 45 seconds to play."
"No. Injury on the field. Only 30 seconds."
In that time, Dr. Tracz has to decide what tune the band will play, signal the band members, and be ready at a moment's notice. Then he may have to change the tune because something unexpected - such as an injury - has occurred. He has a set of cards that he shows the band, and when it is time, the students know what they are to do. They have choreographed certain drum movements, trombone movements, tuba movements . . . and they are hilarious.
Now, not to seem like a wimp or anything, but for some reason, despite the fact that I love bands, I am grossed out by instruments that collect saliva. Let's leave it at that. So, as I am standing below Dr. Tracz's podium, I see the trombonists start to empty their trombones . . . right next to the wall where my coat is. Oh what to do? I don't want to seem rude . . . but I really don't want saliva all over my coat. So I walked over and began to move it. One of the trombonists commented that he was really glad I did that because he would have felt really bad if he had dripped on it. I was so grateful he had noticed and had been careful. I asked about a suitcase that was next to the coat, but they said they could work around it. Great . . . frankly I surprised myself that I didn't gag on the spot (but as I type this, I am having a little trouble :) So I put the coat down out of harm's way, and the game went on!
Every time something great happened, Dr. Tracz got the band going. . . and the students. He kept the entire section energized, despite a rather lackluster half. When the West Virginia punter had a little trouble, some of the horn section started yelling, "High School punter." Suddenly, a football came reeling towards us . . . the punter missed his practice net. It almost hit me, but I wonder if he did it intentionally to shut the band up. Didn't work! Got worse!
At the quarter, the drum majors, baton twirlers, flag team and others left to change costumes. I wondered what that was about but knew I would soon find out. Then with five minutes left in the second quarter, the band began to empty onto the track to get ready for the half-time show. Uh oh. That meant my directing opportunity was about to come up. It was going to be fun. So here we go!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Pre-Game
So Dr. Tracz told me to meet him at 2-ish in front of Vanier. Standing outside the stadium watching all the purple go by was pretty fun. Little kids get really excited about going to football games. A few minutes after 2:00, the band started arriving. I wish I had had my camera. The two beautiful baton twirlers, in their sequined costumes, were visiting with two young starry-eyed girls. I could just see those little ones deciding right then and there that they were going to be baton twirlers. I know I would have been star-struck by them . . . well, I actually was because they are gorgeous women, and they were so nice to me!
Anyway, I waited for a few minutes, and then here came Dr. Tracz - authoritatively walking amongst the band members. "Where's Karen?" he asked. I stepped up, and he told me to come with him. About ten seconds later he said, "You have to walk like a band director. Let's go." (I think there was a song like that - Walk Like an . . . oh, an Egyptian. Well, a band director walks faster than an Egyptian!) And I stepped up the pace as we walked arm-in-arm through the gates to the field.
After what appeared to be milling around, but was instead perhaps better described as organized chaos, the band began to assemble in their places. I put my coat down against the wall (significant in a later post) and waited for my next instructions. Soon Dr. Tracz grabbed me to follow him. He made sure I stayed on his right side, because the ball players are big, and he didn't want them to run into me. I was grateful for that.
We went to the north end zone to wait until the players had vacated the field. While there, four former players walked by. I did not recognize two of them - I believe they were the Lamur brothers - but Tyson Hartman I recognized, and then Arthur Brown, Jr. - the Judge. Boy do we miss him! We greeted them all, but Arthur made sure to shake my hand. Not just a passing shake, but an honest-to-goodness handshake. He is such a quality guy . . . I hope he does well with the Ravens!
Then once the players got off the field, we walked to the west side to watch the beginning of the pre-game. After the pledge, alma mater, and Wabash Cannonball, we took off around the field while the band lined up for the team's entrance. In passing, Dr. Tracz mentioned that one of the students was marching in his first pre-game. Why is that significant? Well, the student is legally blind.
Although I already was sold on Dr. Tracz, this put a few stars in his crown. There are "no"people, and there are "yes" people. When a challenge is placed before them, the "no" people dismiss an idea. The "yes" people try to find a way to make things work. I can imagine that there are a number of band directors who would never consider finding a way to include a student with a vision impairment. But "Yes people" not only consider it, they generally make it happen . . . to the benefit of all involved. I was so impressed that a student would want to accept the challenge . . . and equally impressed that Dr. Tracz accepted it also. I know it was a proud day for both of them and for the band in general, and I hope the student enjoyed the experience and will be able to continue marching with the band.
After the team came onto the field and the band started toward the east side, I thought it was odd that the ambulance was moving onto the track. I was a little oblivious at the time - and buried in a sea of tubas, trombones, and clarinets. Dr. Tracz pulled his podium up to the wall, the band got in place, and they began playing . . . but the ambulance's lights were going, and I realized something was happening on the field. (Once I found out it was the cheer squad member who was decked by Willie, I was very worried, but it appears now as if everything is all right.) Unflappable Dr. Tracz continued with the normal routine, and after the ambulance left, he pulled his podium into its proper place, and we were ready for some football!
Anyway, I waited for a few minutes, and then here came Dr. Tracz - authoritatively walking amongst the band members. "Where's Karen?" he asked. I stepped up, and he told me to come with him. About ten seconds later he said, "You have to walk like a band director. Let's go." (I think there was a song like that - Walk Like an . . . oh, an Egyptian. Well, a band director walks faster than an Egyptian!) And I stepped up the pace as we walked arm-in-arm through the gates to the field.
After what appeared to be milling around, but was instead perhaps better described as organized chaos, the band began to assemble in their places. I put my coat down against the wall (significant in a later post) and waited for my next instructions. Soon Dr. Tracz grabbed me to follow him. He made sure I stayed on his right side, because the ball players are big, and he didn't want them to run into me. I was grateful for that.
We went to the north end zone to wait until the players had vacated the field. While there, four former players walked by. I did not recognize two of them - I believe they were the Lamur brothers - but Tyson Hartman I recognized, and then Arthur Brown, Jr. - the Judge. Boy do we miss him! We greeted them all, but Arthur made sure to shake my hand. Not just a passing shake, but an honest-to-goodness handshake. He is such a quality guy . . . I hope he does well with the Ravens!
Then once the players got off the field, we walked to the west side to watch the beginning of the pre-game. After the pledge, alma mater, and Wabash Cannonball, we took off around the field while the band lined up for the team's entrance. In passing, Dr. Tracz mentioned that one of the students was marching in his first pre-game. Why is that significant? Well, the student is legally blind.
Although I already was sold on Dr. Tracz, this put a few stars in his crown. There are "no"people, and there are "yes" people. When a challenge is placed before them, the "no" people dismiss an idea. The "yes" people try to find a way to make things work. I can imagine that there are a number of band directors who would never consider finding a way to include a student with a vision impairment. But "Yes people" not only consider it, they generally make it happen . . . to the benefit of all involved. I was so impressed that a student would want to accept the challenge . . . and equally impressed that Dr. Tracz accepted it also. I know it was a proud day for both of them and for the band in general, and I hope the student enjoyed the experience and will be able to continue marching with the band.
After the team came onto the field and the band started toward the east side, I thought it was odd that the ambulance was moving onto the track. I was a little oblivious at the time - and buried in a sea of tubas, trombones, and clarinets. Dr. Tracz pulled his podium up to the wall, the band got in place, and they began playing . . . but the ambulance's lights were going, and I realized something was happening on the field. (Once I found out it was the cheer squad member who was decked by Willie, I was very worried, but it appears now as if everything is all right.) Unflappable Dr. Tracz continued with the normal routine, and after the ambulance left, he pulled his podium into its proper place, and we were ready for some football!
Tailgating with the Band
As if practicing from 9:30 - 11:30 and playing during a football game from 2:45 - 6:00 is not enough, Dr. Tracz takes a group of pep band players to the parking lot between practice and the game. I don't know how many tailgates they play for, but for several years they have played at a tailgate at the end of our row. So I asked Dr. Tracz if it would be possible for the band to come by our parking spot.
Sure enough, about 12:00, the band begins to walk up and Dr. Tracz informs me that I am going to conduct them. I put Babs back in the RV (how could I conduct with a dog in my arms? I mean, really.) I grabbed my baton, sidled up next to Amy (the real drum major), and . . . the band started sitting down on the ground. The trombonists were lying down . . . I didn't know what to think.
Amy blew her whistle, and the band started playing . . . at half speed. The trombonists lazily began to stand up, and at the end of the first verse of the fight song, I thought they would play at a normal tempo. I started to pick up the pace . . . (and proof that the students know exactly what to do) . . . they just kept the same beat. Once everyone was standing, then they double-timed it - just as I directed! Ha, ha!
Afterwards, they started to play the Wabash Cannonball. Of course, I had to abandon my post for a moment to get involved with the Wabash, but then I went back to help Amy. I knew she couldn't do it without me!
Then they were off to the next tailgate down the row.
Only Don and I knew they would be there, so our group was pretty surprised . . . and we attracted quite a group of spectators from neighboring fans.
The band members are quite funny . . . and energetic. And I hadn't seen nothing yet!
Sure enough, about 12:00, the band begins to walk up and Dr. Tracz informs me that I am going to conduct them. I put Babs back in the RV (how could I conduct with a dog in my arms? I mean, really.) I grabbed my baton, sidled up next to Amy (the real drum major), and . . . the band started sitting down on the ground. The trombonists were lying down . . . I didn't know what to think.
Amy blew her whistle, and the band started playing . . . at half speed. The trombonists lazily began to stand up, and at the end of the first verse of the fight song, I thought they would play at a normal tempo. I started to pick up the pace . . . (and proof that the students know exactly what to do) . . . they just kept the same beat. Once everyone was standing, then they double-timed it - just as I directed! Ha, ha!
Afterwards, they started to play the Wabash Cannonball. Of course, I had to abandon my post for a moment to get involved with the Wabash, but then I went back to help Amy. I knew she couldn't do it without me!
Then they were off to the next tailgate down the row.
Only Don and I knew they would be there, so our group was pretty surprised . . . and we attracted quite a group of spectators from neighboring fans.
The band members are quite funny . . . and energetic. And I hadn't seen nothing yet!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Band Practice
When I set up my gig to be the Band Director for a Day, Dr. Tracz briefly outlined the schedule, subject to change when we knew the game time. (I knew varying game times was difficult for the administration and football team, but I hadn't even thought about the band. I guess the pre-game routine is fairly standard, but when there is an 11:00 a.m. game, what time do they have to practice? Yikes!) Anyway, although I could have attended the 8:00 a.m. staff meeting (which I would have loved to do), we could not arrive in time, so I went to the 9:30 a.m. practice. By the time I got there at 9:25, the band members were already on the field.
Since I did not know Dr. Tracz, I approached two people who looked like they knew what they were doing. One was a staff member, one a student, and they both immediately said, "Oh yes, we will take you to meet Dr. Tracz." Now I expected that of the staff member, but the student? Well, not so much. What a pleasure it was to be greeted so nicely!
Dr. Tracz treated me very well. He presented me with a band shirt, a purple band hat, a very nice band polo, and my own baton! Several times as the band was practicing he would mention me, he introduced me to the whole band, and he even let me give the announcements. I accused him of having a bad second-grade teacher because I couldn't exactly read his handwriting, and he seemed to enjoy the repartee . . . I hope so, or else I received an F!
I had never really watched band practice from close range. Once the students were on the field, Dr. Tracz was in the middle of them, talking to some, encouraging others. A staff member in the stands had a microphone as did Dr. Tracz, and they could talk to the band over the speaker system. No one could accuse them of not being able to be heard.
During the first song I noticed the students were not playing but were singing the song as they marched. I asked the woman standing next to me why they were singing. She explained that the students can concentrate better on their marching and it saves their lips for the game. Makes sense. I asked if all bands do this, and another staff member said that it is not standard practice, but anyone trained by Dr. Tracz uses that technique.
Anyway, they performed each song once or twice while singing and then they would play it. During stoppages, Dr. Tracz would walk amongst the band, fixing problems, encouraging, or motivating. He talked a lot about his and my generation, mentioning that many of our peers were pretty rowdy, sometimes demonstrating. I agreed with him, and then I chimed in that streaking was also a favorite pasttime. He jumped on that, threatening to have the two of us streak during halftime. He didn't hear me say that I think that would cause the entire stadium to empty if I were to do that - ha, ha!
For the last song, the fight song, I was called up to practice. I knew that they really do not need someone to conduct them . . . once they get the beat from the drum major, they just go . . . but it was surely fun. After climbing up the podium, I used my baton and my conducting skills from my sixth-grade music class to get the band to play the fight song. The Classy Cats dancing in front of me smiled encouragement as the band played. No matter that I didn't exactly know what I was doing. The band sounded great!
And then it was time to return to the tailgate for awhile. The band was going to rest and eat, so I decided to go see Don and the fam until game time! Stay tuned to find out what happened next.
Since I did not know Dr. Tracz, I approached two people who looked like they knew what they were doing. One was a staff member, one a student, and they both immediately said, "Oh yes, we will take you to meet Dr. Tracz." Now I expected that of the staff member, but the student? Well, not so much. What a pleasure it was to be greeted so nicely!
Dr. Tracz treated me very well. He presented me with a band shirt, a purple band hat, a very nice band polo, and my own baton! Several times as the band was practicing he would mention me, he introduced me to the whole band, and he even let me give the announcements. I accused him of having a bad second-grade teacher because I couldn't exactly read his handwriting, and he seemed to enjoy the repartee . . . I hope so, or else I received an F!
I had never really watched band practice from close range. Once the students were on the field, Dr. Tracz was in the middle of them, talking to some, encouraging others. A staff member in the stands had a microphone as did Dr. Tracz, and they could talk to the band over the speaker system. No one could accuse them of not being able to be heard.
During the first song I noticed the students were not playing but were singing the song as they marched. I asked the woman standing next to me why they were singing. She explained that the students can concentrate better on their marching and it saves their lips for the game. Makes sense. I asked if all bands do this, and another staff member said that it is not standard practice, but anyone trained by Dr. Tracz uses that technique.
Anyway, they performed each song once or twice while singing and then they would play it. During stoppages, Dr. Tracz would walk amongst the band, fixing problems, encouraging, or motivating. He talked a lot about his and my generation, mentioning that many of our peers were pretty rowdy, sometimes demonstrating. I agreed with him, and then I chimed in that streaking was also a favorite pasttime. He jumped on that, threatening to have the two of us streak during halftime. He didn't hear me say that I think that would cause the entire stadium to empty if I were to do that - ha, ha!
For the last song, the fight song, I was called up to practice. I knew that they really do not need someone to conduct them . . . once they get the beat from the drum major, they just go . . . but it was surely fun. After climbing up the podium, I used my baton and my conducting skills from my sixth-grade music class to get the band to play the fight song. The Classy Cats dancing in front of me smiled encouragement as the band played. No matter that I didn't exactly know what I was doing. The band sounded great!
And then it was time to return to the tailgate for awhile. The band was going to rest and eat, so I decided to go see Don and the fam until game time! Stay tuned to find out what happened next.
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