Band: My Big Fun-Sized Problem

Hello GHS! Today I'm going to start of this blog with one topic I am going to call Band Uniforms. For the past few weeks the directors have been pulling us out of rehearsals to be fitted for band uniforms. Knowing my luck I was the very last person to be fitted, but that wasn't exactly the problem. Let me start with the shoes. I never thought my  feet were so incredibly small until two days ago. I went down the line of shoes trying them on to see which size fit the best. They were all  too small. Of course. So instead, a band mom directed me to the box of  "Special Sizes" for the people with really big, or small feet in my case. The only pair that fit me were the five and a half's, which were also the smallest shoes in the "Special Sizes". And let me tell you, they look like they would fit a baby.
            Next was the uniform. I knew it wasn't going to be easy when I walked in and they said, "Oh boy, you're short." Since I was the last person to be fitted all of the small uniforms were gone. In fact they gave the last one away right before it was my turn. But hey, I'm Molly, so bad luck seems to run in my blood. I began to try on the smallest uniform that they had which originally belonged to someone who was 5'6", let me remind you that I'm 4'11". I put the overalls on first, and that in itself was a comedy act. I'm almost positive those are the biggest overalls I have ever worn. After we stopped laughing at how ridiculous I looked they pinned up the straps so that at least they wouldn't fall off. Then once we finished rolling up the sleeves on the jacket, poof, I had myself a gigantic uniform. But the real fun came tonight when we practiced in full uniform. Not only did I look crazy to begin with, but once we started marching the pins that were holding up the straps decided it would be a great time to fall off. So here I am wearing overalls twenty sizes to big for me, and now I have pins stabbing me in the back. Great. When we have our next water break I'm able to take out the pins so at least I'm pain free, but now guess what. My overalls are even bigger! Let's just say marching was a little difficult, and I got a couple funny stares. I am hoping I can get some new trousers soon! Well for now I'm going to leave it at that.
See you soon, Molly Hill

Band: READY, SET, MARCH!!!

LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, BAND HAULT, CLICK CLICK  CLICK. My feet beneath me stop in time with the snare drum. The entire band freezes in unison into what we call "the basics block". For a moment it's silent, but that all changes the moment Mr.Cox thrusted his hands down as we play our first round of F tuning. G, D, G, F#, E, F#, D, I think.

      Fun's over, forget that hilarious conversation you just had with the saxaphone section and focus, but remember those two intense weeks of band camp, remeber the blister's you got on your heels, remeber those amazing memories you're never going to forget, remember that "AH HA!" moment when you figured out the chromatic F# fingering, remember your charts, remember the music, remember the band, it's time. 

       "Let's give a big round of applaus to the Goshen High School Crimson Marching Band!!!!" Yells Mr. Mault through the loud speaker. I'm ready, my nerves flee from my body as my ice clod fingers loosen. Lauren gives us the visual count off, and off we march. There are so many thoughts buzzing aorund in my mind at that very moment. Don't forget your charts, watch the drum major, know when to hold, keep the interval even, remember the coreagraphy at chart 3, don't get hit by a trumpet in Part 2, and have fun! But luckly, I didn't mess up! The entire thing went as smooth as possible. May I remind you that this was only our second time ever practicing on forman feild.

       The show finishes without a problem leaving the band breathless, but we keep our expression serious as we exit the feild.  When were off, well that's another story. We all cheer and scream in rejoice, but the fun isn't even close to over. This was our first ever performance and we still have the entire rest of the season. I'm looking forward to it!

      After Mr. Cox dismisses us to have 3rd quater off I run into Ashley Taylor, Liz Erickson, and Sydney Cox  (Yupp Mr. Cox is her dad ), "How'd it go for you?!" I exclaimed.

      "Pretty good! Except I got hit by a tuba during the mesh at the end of Part Two." says Sydney with a laugh.  I'm just glad I wasn't there when it happened, because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to keep a straight face:) After that we headed right into line to grab some food!

       Now I have to remind you of one other thing. In concert band I play the bassoon. If you haven't already noticed the bassoon is about as big as me, and if you haven't met me I am one short girl! (4'11'' to be exact.) In marching band you can't play bassoon, and I can see how that would be difficult! So the day before marching band I learned how to play Tenor Saxaphone, and let me tell you, on the first day of marching band I'm pretty sure I knew how to play about two or three notes. It's fun to look back and see how much I've learned in such a short period of time. By now I can play almost everything we do in band! (Like I said ALMOST everything. But I'll get there.) Now after learning Tenor Sax I've made my way up to knowing five musical instruments, but that also makes it hard to tell people what section I'm a part of. Here's what my answer to that question would be, "Well I play Bassoon in concert band, but I also play Tenor in marching band, at the same time I'm also taking persussion and piano lessoons, as well as being a soprano in Choir." But it keeps me busy, and I have a great time doing it, so i guess it all works out!

     Until next time,

              Molly Hill

Band: It's Going to Be one Heck of a Season

As the 2nd quarter comes to an end, we take our places in the block formation. My palms are slick with sweat, and my heart pounds like the the drumbeat of a rock band. I can't believe it's already here; our first performance. I mean sure, it's only a halftime show at a football game, but a performance all the same. As the snares count off, we take places for a full run of the drill. Adrenaline pulses through my veins, and I know for certain that every drop of sweat, and every sore muscle has been, and will be completely worth it. 

As a freshman, it's completely overwhelming and exciting at the same time to join something as prestigious as the Goshen High School Marching Band. Learning the drill, music, and being surrounded by upperclassmen all the time can take quite a toll on your nerves. Although it is stressful at times, I can say with say with quite certainty that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. It's an amazing feeling to know that all your hard work contributes to something much larger than yourself.  Performing at the very first home football game, and being able to showcase our efforts was almost unreal. Although this was only the first of many competitions and performances, it is evident to me that this is going to be one heck of a season.