Gosh, it was hot today. It's been hotter during band camp, but still, it was freakin' hot today. I was just inspired that I should type this, so here I go.
This year's freshman class looks like a good one. Though smaller than many freshman classes of previous years, there seems to be the same amount of talent, if not more than usual, within the class as a whole. Everyone took to the basics of marching very well and quickly. The blaring sun didn't daunt them TOO much. I think this year's class will be a great replacement for the incredible loss that we suffered from the graduation of the Class of 2002. People like Aaron, Tara, Jeremy, and Booby aren't easily replaced, whether by personality, musicianship or both. Both traits are ripe in this class. I've never seen such social (though hard-working) rookies. I'm impressed with them, and excited for what they'll bring to our program this year.
I don't know much about the musicality of the other musicians, but the three new horns sounded great, for their first day. I'm sure that by the end of the week, they'll all be absolutely outstanding players, and our mellophone section will sound better than it has since I was a freshman, when we had seven mellophones and awesome leadership by Jared and John. I can't wait to see how far we horns and mellos go together. This year will be a fun ride, and I hope we all get to enjoy it together, like the family that we are.
Like I said, I haven't heard much from any of the other musicians, but I think the talent in the horn section is a good sign. It is often said that you can judge if a band is truly good by whether or not they have a strong horn section, based on the fact that the horn is the most difficult instrument in band. If the horns sound divine (as they were meant to), the rest of the band must also sound downright gorgeous. I think this axiom can also apply to this new class of freshmen. The horns are great; everyone else must be pretty freakin' good too.
So, in summary, I'll simply say that this is gonna be a great year. The new class, often the hardest to manuever and to teach, appears to be strong and hard-working. We can go as high as we want to go this year, and I think the only thing stopping us is ourselves. So let's not hold ourselves back. Let's grab on and enjoy the ride; it's gonna be a great year.
"Don't stop me now,
'Cuz I'm havin' a good time...."
-Queen, Don't Stop Me Now
