An Admission . . . .

I am a band booster. There, I've said it.

Neither Husband nor I ever thought we'd have a band kid. Husband was a high school jock, lettered in two sports and was captain of the basketball team. I tried band in fourth grade, but dropped out after a year because I was personally offended by the whole chair seating arrangement. I didn't like being "challenged" by the kid behind me. I will admit I'd still not like something along those lines. I took up piano lessons in fifth grade and stuck with that until graduation and was also in choir for a while. So, at least I liked music and was somewhat proficient in it. Husband can't carry a tune. But growing up in the '70's & '80's, there was a stigma about the "band geek" that we've had trouble expelling from our minds.

College Daughter followed in her father's footsteps and became a high school jock. She was never involved in any sort of music or art because, well, she has zero talent in either. Middle Child is very talented musically. She plays piano and sings. I never encouraged band with her because I didn't think she'd ever be able to play an instrument and walk at the same time. She has her limitations.

And then we have our Son. He came home at the beginning of fifth grade, after the band meeting, all geared up to play the trumpet. Four years later, and I'm proud to say, he has stuck with it. We were wondering how marching band would go for him this year, his freshman year of high school. We thought he wouldn't like the extra practices, band camp, late nights, uniforms and weather conditions associated with football season. I'm happy (albeit shocked) to report that there wasn't one complaint.

Band has been a new experience for all of us. For the first time since we were in high school, we've attended high school football games. Middle Child actually learned the game and enjoys watching it with her dad. We also attended a few festivals where different high schools/colleges peform. We cracked up at the variety of musical choices. I personally don't think Steppenwolf translates into marching music, but maybe that's just me. I've attended band booster meetings. This has shocked my friends, who will be the first to tell you that I don't fit that mold. I'm easing into it; not sure if I will ever join a committee, but I like to keep up-to-date on the band happenings, especially since our Son is not exactly forthcoming in the information department. I chaperoned one game and survived. In April, I will be riding a bus for more than 24 hours to accompany the band to Disney World. Wish me luck!

It's been fun to watch my son march. The band director is a gem. I'd say he is the nicest man I've ever met in my life and the kids respect and adore him. He's young enough (around 30) to still know what the kids like. This year, their repetoire included Guitar Hero/Rock Band with songs by Bon Jovi, Journey, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. At the last game, they also performed "Thriller" which included all 300 members putting down their instruments and doing the dance. It was amazing to watch.

Even though I was not thrilled to have to go back to the high school at 11 pm on Friday nights to pick him up after an away game, I was proud to see him walking off one of the eight buses that brings the kids back and know that he's a member of a great group of kids.