There is nothing I can think of that is comparable to the experience of being in band in high school.  It is a unique conglomeration of education, discipline, artistry and camaraderie that no other program has.  The rote learning of thousands of repeated scales and passages is balanced out by the perfecting of soulfully emoted of melodic passages.  The rigid group discipline of militaristic sameness is contrasted by individual self-discipline to practice on one’s own to improve a performance.  The hours of sun-baked marching rehearsals is made worth the while by standing ovations, contest trophies and Superior medals.

             It is absolutely as intense and wonderful as it sounds.  Lifelong lessons and skills are learned, and lifelong friendships are made.  The sheer existence of groups like the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble is proof of this.  It is no wonder then, that we band-geek alums go gaga for events like Drum Corp International’s World Championship.

             Tomorrow, many members of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble will gather with the band-geek public-at-large to witness this super bowl of marching.  Professional drum corps from across the country have been competing all summer long, playing, dancing and drumming their ways to be the best of the best, grasping and fighting to get that gigantic Grand Champion trophy and medal. 

             If you would like to join us, come to the Regal Cypress Creek Station 16 on Cypress Creek and Andrews Avenue at 5:30pm!  Here is a link for more details:

 http://www.fandango.com/dci2011:big,loud26live8_146084/movieoverview?date=8%2F11%2F2011