Band Camp Blues
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Lauren went to Spring Band Camp last month, and learned the show music for next year's marching performance. She loved that.
This week is marching camp, every day from 9-5. On Monday, Lauren and Henry got "Rookie of the Day" for doing so well. That afternoon after camp, Lauren told us she hated marching. This has been something she's looked forward to since elementary school. Originally she was only in middle school band to get to march for the high school band. Middle school band turned out to be a great experience, but really the goal was this.
Once Jeff and I got over our initial shock, we understood where she was coming from. She says it's tedious, not what she thought it would be, not worth the extreme time commitment required, and most importantly, not "her." Everyone else seems to love it. The repetitiveness of the process and complete absence of any social time there (they aren't allowed to talk during practice, etc.) is killing it for her. I really believe in being true to yourself. Oprah would say being your "authentic self." ...Egads. I'm quoting Oprah Winfrey... Looking back, it was during times I wasn't being my authentic self that I was unnecessarily stressed and miserable.
So. She will not be marching. She'll stay in concert band though, at least for this year. She also wants to finish out the week of marching camp, no matter how awful she thinks it is, which is good. Figuring out the process of getting marching band off her fall schedule will be the next order of business.
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2 comments:
Maybe after the week is over she will feel different. I always HATED marching season, but I loved band. It was one of those things you have to do in order to do the things you want. Maybe she just had a bad day...I would hate to see her give up band just because she did not like marching. Most of my best memories from high school is being in the band.
Yeah, it would sure be easier for her if she liked it, like she thought she would. We'll see what happens by Friday, but it's not looking good.
There are actually several band members who don't march because they are on the football team or drill team, or have extracurricular activities across from marching practice. So she wouldn't be alone in that position. Those kids still have band as a class all year, but only participate in concert activities, non-marching contests, etc.
Thanks for the comment- I'll be sure and mention it to her. :)
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