tpter1

I had to share this with you guys. I mentioned last week that the hs concert was going to be good. And that was my honest and best assessment of where we were going and what would happen: good. Not great, but not terrible and not mediocre, either.

These kids exceeded my wildest imagination last night. I am still floating; I was left near speechless and completely drained. The post concert din was near static and feverish. The final thump of the Epic of Gilgamesh sounded; the rehearsed blackout happened right as planned; the lights came back up and the kids recieved a standing ovation. Never in 15 years of doing this have I had a band recieve a standing ovation. I've had other bands that were actually better than this one; bet there was a connection between audience and performers that was missing from all other performances to this point. The kids put there whole being into their performance last night. They played the Dies Irae ending the piece as if it were meant for them, chimes and bells clanging as if to signify some unknown doom approaching, drums signaling and calling them to THEIR judgment. It was astounding. This was no longer about the death of a ruler; it was about them. At the end of 6 movements, they had all the moxy to pull that out.

I was absolutely drained and elated at the same time, as were they. What an experience; what a bunch of great kids.

Again...if any of you band directors out there are looking for a great piece to challenge your kids and yourself on next year, take a look/listen at this piece.

__________________
-Glenn
"Roses have thorns; shining waters mud. Clouds and eclipses stain the moon and the sun; and history reeks of the wrongs we have done. After today, after today, consider me gone."- Sting