Orkney Week

Early tomorrow morning Josh and his marching band depart for the Orkney Springs resort for a week. I asked Josh yesterday if everyone was ready for Orkney. His response was "of course. It is the best week of the summer."

He gave three reasons. The first, being a week away with his friends with his parents around. Another sign of growing independence. The second, each day the would have time to play concert band music. And lastly, the week is a time to do crazy things with his friends.

The time spent at Orkney is an intensive week to make solid progress on their marching band program. Their day starts at 6:30 with rookie drills and then by fundamental drills all before breakfast. Each day finishes at 9:30 with an hour of free time (they also have free time for an hour before dinner). Their day is given to marching, sectionals and concert band rehersals.















Bonding is integral to the week. As the trombone section leader he is responsible for helping the other trombones not only to learn their drill and hone their techniques but also for helping the younger students to bond with the group. We have discovered that those who are involved in the marching band program become close friends. They help each other throughout the year with homework and other projects. Seniors report at the end of the school day to the bandroom so that they are available to help the freshmen with their school work.

As Evie noted in her blog, at Oakton marching band is taken seriously. It is viewed as an intercollegiate sport. These are three pictures of Josh from today's drilling. Other pictures taken today will soon be posted on the band's web site.