When my boys were just little, and I mean little like babies, I would feed them their food from a spoon. Most of the time they enjoyed it and when the last spoonful was swallowed I would say, "All done." I would say it in my cute little mommy voice so they would be happy. Sometimes, as I sweetly said "all done," you could see the sadness. To them it meant no more. It was gone. That was the end. Sometimes the tears came.
Well, those words came out of Taylor's mouth the other night. As he turned to one of his friends after walking off the field. he said to her, "All done." And the tears came.
It has been one incredible ride for Taylor. Little did I even realize that one summer day, back in 2004, when I signed papers to "rent to own" a clarinet for him. He was just starting out in the band at FJH. When he was in the 9th grade and it came time for him to register for his sophomore year, there was no question that he wanted to be a part of the DHS marching band.
*These pictures are from his rookie season*
He loved every minute of it from the beginning. He loved the music, he loved the marching, he loved the parades, he loved the pep band at football games, he loved the field shows and competitions, he loved band camp, he loved band trips, he loved the uniform, he loved his teacher and he loved his friends.
There were moments of frustration if he felt he didn't do well in rehearsals or competitions. There were so many competitions. Some when they took first place, some where they came SO CLOSE to first place, and one in particular where taking first place was the greatest moment he ever felt in band.
In the last few years not only has he become a very talented clarinetist, he has also taught himself how to play the piano, and can also play the saxophone quite well! He was a nervous but excited rookie to the marching band one year, a confident veteran the next, and a section leader this year. He has an incredible love of GOOD music. He has also learned a great deal of patience, compassion and respect for others.
As I've been watching from the bleachers, it's been fun to scream and cheer for them. Some of the different sections even have shout outs with some completely random quotes. The clarinets, for example, have some crazy quote that says, "Yeah! Yeah! Take his pants!" Now, I have NO IDEA what that means. I think it was explained to me once. I do know that it originated way back when one of Russell's friends was in the clarinet section back in 2004 (ish). Anyway, it was always fun to shout it out to them as they would get ready to start a show. Or, there's another shout out from the moms. Again, not quite sure of the origination, but as the band is all set ready to perform the moms in the crowd will yell out, "Make your mother's proud!!!" Now... if this is all too random and crazy and dumb and you don't get it. That's okay... "it's a band thing."
This past weekend was his last band trip. Two competitions were held in St. George, UT. The first was the Red Rocks Competition. They took 3rd place in this competition. (They probably would have taken 2nd if that really cool band from CA hadn't participated) After this competition they ended up taking 2nd place overall in UT competitions this year. The second competition was the Bands of America Western Regionals. This competition is a little more intense with a variety of schools with incredibly talented kids throughout the western United States. There is a preliminary competition and then those who advance from preliminaries to onto finals. Ten bands went onto finals and DHS was one of them. There were some excellent bands competing. DHS took 4th place overall in that competition.
That is a huge accomplishment. Last year they took 5th in the same competition. This year, they were a better band. In fact, they were told that this year's band has been the best ever from DHS. They have been scoring higher than any other time in past competitions. It just means they are getting better and improving each year. (Although, without Taylor, I dunno how they'll do next year - ha ha!)
I must say, this is an impressive sight. This was the final retreat of the bands in the BOA competition. It's SO COOL to see all these kids in uniform and so dignified. I had been talking to another parent earlier in the day about the groups of kids, especially our kids, who are just a bunch of crazy teenagers when they are hanging out in between competitions. They are just all relaxed and wearing casual clothing. But the minute that uniform goes on, their relaxed attitudes change.
Aside from the competitions, I know that Taylor had a lot of fun with his friends. I'd have to say the best part of his marching band experience had to be his friends. He has SO MANY! I've mentioned them before and I know I will again. But before he became a member of this marching band he was a quiet, shy, self conscious kid. The middle child who just sat back and watched the rest of the world go by. He only had a few friends and even they weren't that great. Ever since becoming a member of this band he has blossomed into a confident young man and he knows exactly what he wants in this life.
I know he's sad at the moment. He's put his heart and soul into this for three years. I know he'll mis it. But he's made memories to last a lifetime and I've got the pictures to prove it.
On a more personal note. I'm going to miss it. At least, I'll miss seeing Taylor in it. Next year, I won't even have a student at DHS. For one year, there will be no DHS marching band member in our family.
For Taylor: You do make your mother proud!
