It’s Friday. I’m at work. I’m stressed, busy, and haven’t been sleeping well. Right now, I’m listening to a podcast of George Hopkins, head of the USSBA, reviewing information with judges. Both staff and members are getting sick. Some people are playing baseball or other sports.

Why do I and the staff do this? For you. We’re not getting rich being part-time band staff members.

As of last night’s rehearsal, there are three distinct groups – the staff, the judges at Verona, and Mr. Jenner – that have essentially said the same thing: We have a great, fun rock and roll show, and you need to sell it.

Tomorrow’s essentially our biggest performance of the year, and not just because we’re playing in a 76,000 seat stadium. Make sure you are up for the show; there’s no reason to give anything else but your best for six minutes tomorrow. Don’t leave anything off the field! Play your instrument like your section are the only people in the world doing what you do, sing like you’ve never sung before, and do those dance moves and flag work like Michelle and Maleesa taught you.

But most importantly, enjoy the moment. There’s nothing like performing in Giants Stadium, and it may be your only chance to ever perform in a huge stadium like this. Seize the moment!

-=Ed.

As we enter the busiest and most stressful part of our season, let’s take a step back and look at things from a higher level.

We have two games underneath our belt. The newbies that went to Band Cramp have been marching a total of six weeks. The vast majority of our season starts unfolding this weekend.

What’s the goal? Entertaining lots of folks. Having a great time making music, life-long friends and memories.

How do we get there? With hard work. Practicing your music, marching, and DGCT work at home. Coming to rehearsal on time, and giving 100% every time you step on to a football field.

What do we need right now? Some self-discipline and teamwork.

Please keep these in mind when the stress and frustration piles up.
-=Ed.

As a band director, I often get asked why we don’t go away for band camp anymore. People often remember the good times we had first at East Stroudsburg University, and then the “lost year” at Camp Bernie.

As I indicated at the first band parent meeting before camp this year, the reasons we stay at SHS are primarily for safety and cost reasons. According to this story from the Record Online, I’ll bet more bands choose to stay home next year.

From the story:

More than a dozen members of the Passaic High School marching band have been suspended and might not get to play for the rest of the school year, after being caught drinking beer at a band camp in Pennsylvania last week, school officials said Tuesday.

-=Ed.

Well, it’s a few days later. I hope everyone’s rested by now.

So, what did you think about camp?

-=Ed.

this is a test post from Ed.

w00t.