The school year is winding down and it has been a "banner" year for our little Buddy. He's earned straight A's all year long, snagged lead snare in the drumline, kept the beat for the jazz band as its drummer, and even made snare as a freshman at Perry. He also got to travel with the band to Flagstaff for a jazz festival, and most recently to Fullerton, California for the Heritage Music Festival. I decided to accompany him on this trip to help him celebrate an amazing career at Santan Jr. High.
He was very excited to embark on the trip, as his silly face (and mine) show. We were headed from Chandler at 7 am on Friday, May 16th to perform at Fullerton College at 3 p.m. that same day. Pedal to the metal, let's go!
Long story short: buses overbooked so our 2 large charter buses became 3 smaller ones, no bathrooms on the bus, buses needed a fuel stop to get to destination, luggage and instruments spread across the 3 buses, ordered lunch to go and ate on the bus, kids had to change on the bus using blankets for privacy. Pulled into Fullerton College at 2:50 p.m., ten minutes before show time.
Here we are unpacking.
They got everything set up, only to find that other needed instruments were on a different bus that had broken down.
Thankfully, the festival director moved the performance to a later time in the evening, so now all we had to do was clear the stage, and wait.
I had instrument-watching duty.
The choir and symphonic band performed around 5 p.m. and then it was time for the Jazz Band.
The picture may not show it, but Spenser was totally comfortable and getting into the program! I think the video captures it better.
(For some reason, the video is not uploading. Check another blog update for it)
Here is Mr. Kane, his teacher.
After the performance, an adjudicator clinics with the band, offering praise and tips for improvement. Then it was time for the percussion ensemble to play, and here is a little taste of that.
After percussion ensemble, an adjudicator session.
Spenser is all ears!
After the performance it was time to head to the hotels for some sleep. The next morning, breakfast was in the parking lot: bagels, muffins, apples, bananas, fruit, juice.
I learned around that time that I was promoted to a chaperone, in charge of 7 boys (one of which was Spenser). Here is the drumline, getting excited about entering the park!
And our group is off! Headed down Main Street on the way to Tomorrowland.
Our first ride was SPACE MOUNTAIN! All boys are part of our group except the one in the back. Check out our faces!
We had to take a photo op in front of the castle. Those are some cool dudes!
Then we were off to the Matterhorn, located just above our heads!
Me and my guy!
A view of the castle from the back.
The boys do some rowing.
While rowing, an airplane draws in the sky! I heart you!
We started our day in the park at 8 a.m. and at 8:30 p.m. we were required to report to Big Thunder BBQ near Thunder Railroad for the awards ceremony.
Both the percussion ensemble and the jazz band earned the highest rating - GOLD! Here is Spenser accepting the award from Merlin.
The jazz band also won for best overall band performance! Mr. Kane accepted the award
and got a little silly with Merlin.
What a great trip it was, full of fun, frolic, and rewards!
We are so proud of Spenser's accomplishments and look forward to his future along with his sister in the Perry Regiment.
Here's a little taste of what it takes to be in the drumline at Santan.
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