Q: What would get me up at 3:45 AM on a Saturday morning?
A: A trip with my son's high school marching band!
In what would probably be my last ride ever on a school bus, I agreed to chaperone a trip to The Ohio State University on a cold October morning a few weeks ago. My son's high school marching band had the privilege and honor of being asked to perform as the opening band for the famous Skull Session before the game between OSU and Purdue. For those unfamiliar, the skull session is a pep rally, held in St. John's Arena (former home of Buckeye basketball), on the campus of OSU. The OSU Marching Band, better known as 'The Best Damn Band in the Land," performs parts of their half-time show, along with the visiting college band. If you've never experienced the OSU Marching Band, please go watch their "video game half-time show" on youtube. It's amazing.
Even I, the most non-sports-oriented person out there, was caught up in the excitement of just being there. I was so proud to see my son perform in front of such a huge crowd. I overheard a number of the strangers seated around me comment on what a talented high school marching band they were. They played about a dozen of their songs before Purdue and OSU took center stage. With my son being a senior, it was truly a high point of his band career. Unfortunately, he was pissed that they weren't staying for the game!
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Best close-up I could get of my son. He's the blond trumpet player in the middle against the railing and directly in front of the vent.
OSU Marching Band playing for the crowd.
Purdue Marching Band playing as OSU watches. Purdue was super impressive as well!
Here's a brief clip I made of the kids:
what a fun opportunity for your son! glad you got to enjoy it with him.
ReplyDeleteI see him! I see him!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun time for yer boy!
Now. . . please don't make me say anything nice about. . . you know, that college from south of the state line. . .
;)
What a great thing for your son to be involved in, this will be something to remember and knowing this was your last trip on a school bus has to be a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI am proud you got to go along and be a part of this with him.
"My son's high school marching band had the privilege and honor of being asked to perform as the opening band for the famous Skull Session before the game between OSU and Purdue."
ReplyDelete*thunderous applause*
Oh, how AWESOME! And, yes, you must have been VERY proud indeed!
Like you, I'm a non-sports person, but my brother also played (trumpet) in his HS band and it was so exciting for me to see the half time show; knowing he was part of it!
Great video clip! They sound faaaaaaabulous!
Lime - I had not originally signed up to go, but a friend talked me into it and I'm so glad that she did.
ReplyDeleteCraig - Well, you know, I did hear the ditty as I was leaving the arena...."We don't give a damn about the whole state of Michigan, ...." However, I have had some fun vacations in MI, so I am not so harsh.
Jimmy - Funny thing is, I have not minded school bus rides as an adult as much as I hated them as a high schooler! I used to BEG people to give me a ride home....the indignity of riding the bus!
Ron - I only go to HS football games for the half-time show, that's FOR SURE!!!!!
Congrats, and what a great high-point for him- all of them, really! That's excellent!
ReplyDeleteThat was an impressive song they were playing! It sounded really good! How exciting to be part of this!! Definitely a great trip to chaperone on (hope the bus was relatively comfortable). It was a shame they couldn't stick around for the game though!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a proud moment for you indeed!
betty
That must have been a really great day for your son, playing in front of such a big and appreciative audience. Good that you were able to share his enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteSailor -thank you!
ReplyDeleteCorgi - did you recognize the two songs? I actually prefer a bus ride over the car. I think I have claustrophobia issues.
Nick - I'm trying to really enjoy this year, my last year of having a kid in school, not counting college.
Oh, my, uh, distaste (such as it is) is toward the school, not the entire state. Heck, some of my best friends are from Ohio. . .
ReplyDelete;)
That is some kick-ass marching and playing. Yeah for you and your son.
ReplyDeletecool stuff
ReplyDeleteCraig - .....I, O!
ReplyDeleteCool - No marching that day, except for to and from the bus.
X - Thanks!
Nice! I don't care for sports, but I always liked watching my son's band play.
ReplyDeleteAgent - we always leave after halftime!
ReplyDelete