Well now...Where to begin?

 Look at the pictures of the summer as well as listen/view some of the media. It was another super successful summer with the Patriots. Some people seem to think 5th place at State Fair isn't a good thing but I'm super pleased considering there were 50 bands there. I know one of my years we placed 3rd and there were only around 30 band there. Not to mention the fact that the kids just played their hearts out and sounded awesome. It's definitely not the kids fault that the judges didn't like the content of the show.

Now intead of working 8-5 for the day job, then 5-9 for the band, then 9-1 for the day job I might actually have some free time to look at houses and get things back to a semi organized state!

Nahh...

Final Thoughts

The Marching Patriot Band & Guard placed fifth at the 2007 Indiana State Fair.  The performance entitled, “The Colors of Russia” was certainly a show that people will remember for years to come.  Although the Patriots did not necessarily bring home the first place trophy, there should be no doubt in anyone’s minds that these fine young men and women performed a fantastic show!

The elements that were in our control were completed with pride and honor as these musicians and performers represented the many cities that have become Jay County.  The commitment, hard-work, and determination that these kids give to the band, to the community, and most importantly, to each other, is second to none!


To the Class of 2008, thank you for your dedication to the Marching Patriots.  Although you have finished your last competition, you have countless memories that will last with you for a lifetime!

Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen: preparation for next year’s competitions starts today!  Think of how much we could improve over the next year if we all strive to better ourselves with our marching, playing, tossing, catching, and all the other elements that make us Marching Patriots.  The time is now… the staff will be ready… will you?

Thank you to all the countless parents, volunteers, benefactors, staff members, and students that have made not only this season successful, but the past 30 years…

Top 5 in the state for 19 years straight!  Are you ready to hit 20?  Give us your thoughts!

2007 Photos

R E S P E C T ...find out what it means to me!

There is probably no one in the band or the band staff who is more qualified to speak on the differences between groups in the band than me and I have been very bothered over the last several years about the criticism which has been leveled at the guard by band members. I have heard way too much criticism about what band members think is a lack of talent and ability on the part of our guard members. Remember, boys and girls, when we get a score at a contest it's for the entire band, not just for the winds or the percussion or the drum majors or the guard. I'm here to tell you right now that the ones with hardest job in a marching band are the members of the color guard, followed (rather distantly) by the bass drummers, and then the rest of the drum line. Now before you go off on me, think about it for a second. If I take a dozen flute players and ask them to march and play their show, we certainly hope that they could all do it, but we know the reality is that if a single flute player stops playing for 10 or 15 seconds, no one notices. If 2 or three stop - same result. This is not only true for flutes, but also clarinets, saxophones, etc., especially in a band our size. If, however, I take a dozen guard members and ask them to do their show, everyone notices if one of the girls stops even for just a few counts. Guard is so visually dominated that any pocorn eater can tell you whether the flags are together or whether the rifles dropped or not - its a no brainer. But can the same audience members hear a flute player drop out of the ensemble, or even a trumpet! Yes, the bass drums are almost in the same boat as the guard. Drop out a bass drum or two and things can get ugly quickly! Same with members of the battery. Although percussion is not visually dominated, it is easy to see if someone is not playing.

In short, there's a story in the New Testament (that's in the Bible, genius!) where the Jewish leaders bring a prostitute to Jesus and ask if she should be punished by stoning. Jesus' answer was simply "Let the person who is without sin cast the first stone" Let's keep this in mind when dealing with other sections and members of the band. If you must criticize, offer and help with a solution!

Agree or not agree? Just talk to me...I'm
Daddy V

BAND CAMP 2007 - DAY 4

PEACE, YO!

Another hot one today. Continued locking in new tempos. Transitions w/ new tempos are becoming a lot more consistent - finally! Marching show is improving in leaps and bounds - difficult to tell the newbies from the vets! Guard continues to improve and new eq at show finale is starting to come together. Long week starting to show in more injury time-outs and general fatigue. Long days and short nights! Evening activities included chubby bunny (a band camp tradition - ask a band kid if you don't understand) and singing of section songs bbased on this year's show. Band camp olympics were won by the Trombubatones, I think their 2nd or 3rd victory in the last several years. Following the songs the entire band was treated to a movie, "Night at the Museum", entertaining but not great! Friday's activities will include run-throughs and the annual band camp section awards as well as packing and our last good meal until summer 2008! See ya on Sunday!