Looking back through drum corps and indoor percussion.

I’m sitting on the deck outside my parents’ house in northern California, while my brother and sister-in-law read. It’s another clear, beautiful day in the bay area. The coffee is the perfect flavor for company on this lazy morning, and I’m drinking in the last of my three day break between summer school sessions, a break much needed and absorbed.

It’s hard to believe that it takes so much coordination to get all of us in one place these days. Joey and Sally flew out from Indiana, and I flew up from L.A., thankfully during a time when I didn’t have that much school to worry about and when I could make use of doing work from home.

As life moves forward it’s always interesting to see how all of the details get more complex and the simple things, like seeing your only brother, can become months of planning and hoping for the stars to align. Nevertheless, I am very thankful that we do have the resources to be able to make visits like this happen. I know how lucky I am.

Normally at this time I would be sweating up a storm, getting a great tan, loading a semi, pushing equipment, riding a charter bus, passing out on my seat partner (miss you!) and playing music all over the country. It’s weird that I am not there, but I know that I needed to focus elsewhere this summer.

I miss playing music terribly and often think about how unlikely it is that I will be able to play again. I am very thankful for the years of instruction I have recieved and all of the hardwork that I put into the craft of playing the marimba.

I have learned what it means to work hard.
I have learned that the hours spent perfecting each detail on my own, is noticed and that the labor is worth it.
I have learned how to always be prepared.
I have learned how to always be early.
I have learned the importance of communication.
I have learned how to find joy in the little things.
I have learned that it is important to remember that it is just band:)
I have learned how to perform and give the audiences an enjoyable performance.
I have learned the importance of priorities.
I have learned the best techniques for getting the most seamless, solid tan ;).
I have learned the importance of sunscreen.
I have learned how to shower and get ready in 13 minutes.
I have learned how to completely change wardrobe without getting naked.
I have learned how to love people more uniquely while spending every hour of every day with them.
I’ll add to this list as I think of them:)

Thank you Kelsey and Jason for pouring so much into me during high school and driving me to my very first drum corps camp :). Thank you for the staffs of Glassmen, Bluecoats, RCC and the Blue Devils, for continuing to shape and mold me into the performer I became. I love all of you very much.