Beech Tree News Network

Like many others, I am a former proud ‘band parent.’ I do not play an instrument. I tried the piano: at age 10, I just couldn’t sit still long enough to practice. But, I have a deep admiration for musicians and enjoy watching a band show.

The web tool Wikipedia explains that a school marching band may contain from 11 to over 500 students. Marching bands practice frequently during the late summer and early fall and may attend their school's football games, playing music and marching a show during halftime. The show is usually between 6 and 10 minutes long. Bands may compete in competitions throughout the marching season (about the same time as football season). In addition to their show, marching bands may march in parades. Band instruments typically include brass, woodwinds, and percussion, and most marching bands wear some kind of uniform. In Kentucky, some notable marching band records include the following:
•    Four of the top 20 scores were by runner-ups.
•    The Adair County Band has won more state championships than any other, claiming their 20th in 2011.
•    12 schools have been in finals 10 or more times.
•    Only 2 schools have been in finals each of the 26 years of its existence (Adair County and Lafayette).
•    32 schools have won a state championship.

All three of our daughters were in the Butler County Blue Regiment Marching Band. They worked hard for their directors, who earned their respect. The names of Larry Moore, Darryl Dockery, Robert Paul, Eric Divine, Laura Miller Rupers, and Bryant McClellan trigger memories of good times for my children. Marching band may be counted among their fondest school memories.

Although marching band required work, funny incidents were plentiful, too:
•    The sweat bees that joined band camp
•    The lost shoes and uniform parts
•    The ridiculous nerve-induced incidents that occurred just before taking the field
•    The extreme heat and cold endured to compete (only funny in retrospect)
•    The damage done to a uniform when a band member slipped on a muddy field
•    The things that were lost/misplaced in the band room and storage area
•    The unforgettable out-of-state trips (Thankfully, everyone was present for the return trip.)

My oldest daughter was struck by the idea that band can mean “to come together” since her directors banded together students who had little in common other than a love of music, taught them how to make it, and then convinced them that they were good enough to take the show on the road. She recalled the directors being involved in their band members’ lives in a more personal way than a classroom teacher could be, giving correction face to face instead of with red ink. Finally, my daughter remembered that when Larry Moore died, she sat in the bathtub and bawled. Having known Mr. Moore, I’m sure other band students did much the same; he was well-loved.

I had the opportunity to see the BCHS Marching Band perform in Muhlenberg County last Saturday. They did a great job under Mr. Ausbrooks’ direction. I’m thankful our school leaders value and fund music education in our schools. For this, I wish to thank the local school board, the district and school administrators, the SBDM councils, and those of you who also want our students to experience the arts.