Paige in Marching band

Paige has been involved in the jr. high band for the past 3 yrs. playing percussion. With the start of high school comes marching band, YEAH!!! This is not just learn some music and play in the stands. The schools each have a 1/2 time show that is very intricate with movement of the band members in different formations with each music movement

As a percussionist Paige had many instruments to choose from but she is partial to the xylophone. She is actually playing the vibraphone for this marching band season. She had a special percussion camp the last of July and summer marching started Aug 1st. This is 6-8 hrs/day with a break midday. She may not have to march but she still had to stand in the 100+ degree heat and play. The commitment of these students is incredible. Going from jr high to high school has been a huge leap and it is amazing to watch the show these students put on. Paige was overwhelmed and never thought she could memorize all that music to begin with but now she plays it with no problem.

This is the kids outside practicing. Paige is on the far right by the black box.  The kids are not locked in, they practice in a student parking lot that is striped off like a football field so they know where to go for their part.  I'm on the outside so I don't distract Paige (that's her version of it)

Getting set for the 1st game.  The kids didn't have to wear their marching uniforms because it was still 100+ and the band directors didn't want to add heat exhaustion into the mix of everything.  Paige is front and center right below the drum major's stand.  She plays the 1st notes that start out the show.

This is a partial overview of the band.  Paige is on the silver vibraphone to the left of the drum major's stand. It's cooled off to the 80's so the kids where their uniform now.



This is Paige after an all day band competition.  After their performance the band boosters fed the kids and then it was more fun with a football game.  It  made for a very long and tiring day, for kids and parents alike

It has been really fun to see how much Paige is enjoying band.  She has gone from being tentative and unsure to very confident about what she is doing.  She has made lots of friends and hasn't even complained about the long practice hours and heat.  I look forward to the next 6 years-that's with both Paige and Lexi through high school