Rob, your beautiful tribute to your boy's band involvement brought tears to my eyes, too. Good for him, and 'gooder' for you for being such a great Mom! Hugs to both of you!

((((((Rob and 'LF')))))) (I know he's not "LF", anymore, but it's how I think of him.

Aw, thank you. I have been trying to hold it back, but it just comes gushing forth these days. I'm just so glad! Band is the bestest ever. Kinda like living my glory days all over again, and enjoying his new found love.

Actually, he is still an LF. But he really doesn't mind being little. I'm still waiting for him to shoot up, but in the meantime, he has fun with it. His best friend at this school and his main school is also small. His current crush is small. She could actually be his twin! Her mom and I laugh about it. They call themselves, the midget squad. Cutie pies. I can't wait until the day I say, "'member when y'all were the midget squad? Can't say that any more!". It's coming.

Band life has changed a lot since I played the saxophone in high school. We did not have band camp, nor marching practice prior to the start of school in September. We had 55 minute classes. 5 minutes to get to the field and 5 minutes to get back to the band room. That did not leave much time to practice, even if it was five days a week. I guess we were somewhat less than great.

Our band director played french horn in the Chicago Symphony and his idea of music (and marching) was a bit ho-hum. Still, we had fun, even if the uniforms were heavy and hot. We had large hats with plumes, it got to be a bit much.

The uniforms are what has changed the most Jim! We(from 1981-1984 marching seasons) too wore wool uniforms all season long and HUGE hats. The kids today? Their uniforms are light and this is the first game they'll wear it, even though they've marched at three games. They've been wearing our logo tshirts and khaki shorts. Even though it's 90 degrees tonight. OY!

I'll link you our 1983 band below. We were state champions that year. Much more intricate than bands have been in years past. More like drum and bugle corps march. Intricate designs from one endzone to the other. Boy! We cover the entire field.

This post was edited by rob333 on Sat, Sep 6, 14 at 19:34

My high school marching days ended in 1963! Oops, that will show you how old I am!

Sound close to my parents' age. Sorry! Now I know.

;)

The thing that changed in the 80s? We quit having baton twirlers and no more dresses for color guard members. Now, you see males in the guard.

Gee whiz, Jim; you're nothing but a baby!!

I was never in the marching band, but thought I was 'big time'. when I made the cheer leading squad. I'm not sayin' when that was!!!

I love marching bands. For years and years I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and my favorites were the marching bands.When they switch over to Celebrities singing and dancing, I quit watching.
I still watch the Rose Parade because they show the marching bands.

All three of my sons were in high school band. Two were drummers and the third played trombone. Each year the band went on a trip. Each of the boys got to travel away and have a good time. That was with a school with less than 700 students. Great experiences for all three.

Was in band, marching band and choir all through grade school, junior hi and high school. Best thing for any young person, music is a whole new language and living experience.