Honor Band

Every year our middle school's band students are required to audition for district honor band.   Honor band is made up of the top players from three counties and Brandon was pretty excited this year when he found out that he was one of the 8 percussionists chosen.  His excitement quickly soured though when he realized that "honor band" is not just a distinction that you are awarded, but an actual group in which you have to participate!

Things only got worse after the first rehearsal when he learned that not only would he have to spend his entire weekend sitting through hours of band rehearsals, but also that concert percussionists don't do very much.

Brandon was assigned to play marimba and triangle.  He spent most of his time counting rests and sitting on the floor, bored out of his mind, while the director worked with the wind players.

Doesn't he look so excited to being going to his performance?

When all was said and done, the band sounded great and Brandon got a medal for his participation (and lots of love from his band director since Brandon was the only percussionist from his school chosen).   I don't think he'll be jumping at the chance to participate again, but here is Brandon and the Alabama District One Middle School Honor Band in concert: