Puma Regiment Marching Band Camp commenced this week and what a doozy it was! I'm very happy to report that it is over, that Sienna survived, and that we are immensely proud of her. It's very clear to Sienna and us why marching band counts as a required P.E. credit.
Band Camp was Monday through Friday, 7 a.m to 8 p.m. - yes 13 hours! They were asked to run the track (something Sienna has never done) and practice visual movements and posture holding outside while enduring 112 degree temperatures. The physical component overwhelmed Sienna to the point of tears, but she worked through it every day.......until she hit the wall. Thursday morning she woke and dressed for the day but couldn't control her emotions as the many challenges of the week caught up to her. She broke down mentally and all we could do was listen, encourage, and let her take a break. She did not go to camp that day. The rest helped a lot, she felt the confusion and fear clearing, and her muscles breathing again. She perked up enough to attend uniform fitting that night and when she put on the full regalia, not only did she look adorable, she felt like it was right. She was ready to return to camp.
She went Friday and completed camp strong. Yes she hit the track again and still hated it, but she was able to run one lap, and then the director pushed her to run another. The track isn't the only intimidating thing, the movements while playing are challenging as well. But as we've been telling her she is in training mode, and of course it's hard now because you've never done it. But as you practice continually, your body will discover muscle memory and it becomes natural. The soreness will go away, the movements will be easier, the fear will ease.
Today - Saturday - the regiment had a morning practice and then a showcase for the parents and family. It was here where the band director introduced all the section teachers, had each regiment section play and show some formations and movement, and then as an ensemble they played what they know of their show so far. They also shared a video of pics taken during the camp, and I was able to snap some pictures of their pictures!
Above is Brandon Kiesgen, the very young band director. Below is Sienna in visual practice on the 112 degree field!
But none of this is easy, especially for a freshman, and the next photo shows the stress, fatigue, and fear.
I hate to see my daughter pushed to this point, but at the same time, everyone must face challenges, and I think this may be her first big one. But she needs to know and learn that "Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." Joshua Marine
I definitely think she's strong enough to overcome these challenges and seeing the showcase today only reinforced that opinion.
After the video the director chose groups to show different forms of movement. Here is Sienna in the backwards moving group,
and a warm up exercise with the woodwinds teacher Tim, and Gabrielle, the drum major.
Lastly, they played songs from their show called "The Storm."
We were awed at what they (and Sienna) were able to accomplish in one week! Imagine them playing that (plus more-they haven't learned the whole thing) and movement too!
I think the road will continue to be bumpy for her for awhile, but she has become a member of the Puma Regiment, and when one is down the others pick them up, and when one is gone the others leave a space for them and wonder where they are. When she was absent Thursday, there was a space, a missing piece that could only be mended by her presence. I'm not sure she feels that way but we can sense that when we see the interactions and the camaraderie that the band members share.
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