Sweepstakes!

Today, Chris' band went to their annual UIL band contest. Chris has been very nervous these past few weeks, not because he thinks his band needs more work, but because they are so talented that he just wants the best experience for them. Well today, your band proved you a great teacher, Chris! They rocked!

Last night, Chris confided in me that this year's band is his best from the last 5 years of teaching, and that he thought they might make what is called "Sweepstakes." If your band makes sweepstakes, that means that they received the highest ratings possible in both the concert and sightreading portions of the contest. After watching an amazing performance on stage, Chris' band proceeded into the sightreading room. This is the part of the contest that many band directors get nervous about, because you don't know how your kids will react. It is also very stressful for the directors because of a ton of rules that could get you disqualified if you say the wrong thing. Chris did a great job in his explanation, and the kids sounded great!

After many months of very hard work, Chris' band played a concert consisting of Legacy March by Vic Flowers (an awesome fellow band director from Spring), Atlantis, and Serengeti Dreams. His band received the sweepstakes rating as a second band for the first time in 6-7 years! 

Congratulations, my love! You are the hardest working person that I know, and the kids are very lucky to have you as their teacher. You care about them, love them, show how to be good musicians, and good people. They can look up to you because of the way you treat them with respect, and the way you play around with them (maybe because you're still a kid at heart yourself). Thank you for being who you are! I love you with all of my heart!

Funny story from the day (#1):

As we were waiting for the delayed busses (which we didn't know would be delayed until they dropped us off at Tomball HS), we saw a bus from Conroe ISD drive up. There was a sick kid from our band sitting in the front seat of my car, the busses were late, and we were ready to head back to school so the kids could make it to their bus home. That's when I saw this...

Funny story #2:

As we are standing by the car and reading over the comment sheets, Warren looks over and notices that the girls from the band are sitting and watching the baseball players very intently! They aren't being their cute, normal giggly selves, but are transfixed on cute high school baseball players! It was cute to watch them be kids.

Congratulations Chris! You worked so hard!