"The man that hath no music
in himself,
Nor is not moved with concord
of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems,
and spoils;
The motions of his spirit are dull
as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus.
Let no such man be trusted.
Mark the music."
--The Merchant of Venice
And you thought the musicians had it rough. What with all the practice. And the times spent on the field, marching in the August sun. Sure, football players might suffer through summer practices, too, but they aren't holding brass instruments.
These students know from hot. They start getting ready for fall months ahead of time, and families have to schedule vacations early enough so the kids can march around in the summer dew every morning. And that's not the only way families suffer.
Remember when they first started, when they first opened the case of their chosen instrument, and took it in hand? Oy, the squeaks and groans that came from downstairs--and only sometimes from the instruments.
Somebody once said that there's nothing sweeter than the sound of a clarinet. But you have to also admit there's nothing worse than one played poorly. And when a tuba hits a wrong note, it's like a cow kicking a barn door--everybody hears it.
But on Dec. 5, 2019, a Thursday, it all paid off.
Sitting in the audience, watching the Christmas concert--something these students have been practicing for since they got the football music down pat--somehow made all the early-morning shuffles and late-night practices worth it. These kids sounded like pros.
How did they get grown so fast? And so adept at their skills? Oh sure, a proud parent might say "talent." But that talent didn't come naturally. We still remember the beginning.
So chalk it up to teaching and coaching and instructing and tutoring. And these kids weren't playing "Jingle Bells," either. They were getting deep into the scores. "Fantasy on Deck the Hall," and "A Carol Triptych" were on the list this December evening.
And how they played! You could have put them on a TV special. In the background, maybe, as the main character found her hidden prince. These musicians didn't sound like students. They didn't hold themselves like students. They didn't play like students.
For some of them, this night might be the last time they play any instrument before an audience. When June comes around, they'll be walking across a stage while their friends play "Pomp and Circumstance." So there was something special in the air for them, and not just Christmas spirit. Maybe a sense of accomplishment?
There is so much these students have learned over the years, and we don't mean quarter-notes and harmony. They've done well, and in front of many audiences, from indoor halls to outdoor stadiums. They've shown fortitude and self-confidence.
They've learned discipline and determination.
They've learned responsibility (these instruments aren't cheap) and teamwork.
They've learned a lot about creativity and self-expression.
Many of them have even learned something about leadership. During the summer, certain sections had student leaders, and the band director could be heard instructing them to instruct the others. Accountability is most definitely a skill they can take into the real world.
But all that is academic. This particular Thursday night, we just sat back and enjoyed it. Relax, dad, and let the music flow into the night. Enjoy it, even. Aren't they playing well?
They are.
They're playing to beat the band.
Editorial on 12/09/2019