Throwback to November 7, 2014

1. If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late. If you are late, it’s unacceptable.

2. Always recruit helpers whose company you enjoy and who do not mind if you drop an occasional swear word. (Thank you, Susan, Lore, Liz, Lee-Lee, and Carrie.)

3. Buy many pairs of black socks from the Dollar Store and keep them handy, because there is always that one kid who chronically forgets socks, and it could very well be your kid. (Isn’t that right, Youngest Child?)

4. There will always be that one marcher, that one kid, that one with the attitude, that one who complains about itchy suspenders or an uncooperative zipper or a broken shoelace. Eventually, that kid graduates, and another whiner takes his place.

5. Musical instruments can be fixed with supplies from Lowe’s, especially if you are Donna R.

6. Craig J. writes some wicked drill.

7. Director Greg T. is a god, or at least a super-hero.

8. When your mellophone kid is playing a duet, you hold your breath and clench your fists until he is done, then you sigh and grin.

9. When your baritone kid is playing a duet, you hold your breath and clench your fists until she is done, then you sigh and grin.

10. When your youngest chooses to join the percussion section, you release a breath and unclench your fists, because there will never be a percussion duet.

11. The percussion section members believe that they are not really members of the band. They believe themselves to be special, and the rest of the band just humors them.

12. Even teenagers can be taught how to fold pants on the crease and how to hang jackets properly.

13. Be careful what you wish for, because after years of pining for new uniforms, you finally get them, and you get a whole new set of problems.

14. A good “horn angle” means you will never get a decent photo of your child’s face.

15. Baby wipes are the best for cleaning stains on uniforms.

16. Marching band students are hard-working, respectful, and just generally awesome.

17. Writing about the lessons learned in marching band–like self-discipline,cooperation, and losing with grace–makes for a helluva college application essay. And for a helluva legacy to take with you throughout adulthood.