"How Cold Is It?" "Not Cold Enough!"

Yesterday was our usual Tuesday night rehearsal.  It was freezing cold, and it had been drizzling the whole day practically.  I was sticking my fingers in my mouth and blowing on them to keep them warm.  My fingers were so cold the I couldn't bend them any farther back than straight.  We were told to keep our mouth pieces warm, and to push in, since you go flat when it's cold out.

I was told that you want warm, thin layers and hand warmers.  If you really bundle up, like with four sweatshirts, you won't be able to play.  I have long johns and thermal underwear for rehearsals and football games. 

A couple of baritones always take their shirts off for run throughs.  My drill section leader asked them if she yelled,"How cold is it?"  If they would yell,"Not cold enough!"  Apparently, they always do that, even if it's 50 degrees out.  I wonder how it's going to be when it's 20 degrees out, and snow is falling.  The uniforms keep heat in, and don't keep the cold out. 

I still need to decide if I'm doing marching band again or not. 

Cons:
-Crazy schedule: I have no time to do anything fun because of marching band.
-People always telling you what to do/yelling at you: Especially as a freshman, people are telling you to watch your shoulders, march in time, dress, ect...
-Uniforms


Pros:
-Meet new people & marching band is a close-knit community.  Sometimes, especially during band camp, I feel like I see the marching band more than my own family.
-Something to do

I've discovered something about marching band.  I actually like double time(marching two steps for every beat) because every beat our drum major gives us, I take a step with my left foot.  We had to do double time in basics block, and I struggled.  In the show, I just do it without thinking about it.

My favorite parts of the show are the ballad (the second part), and the tag.  I don't like the opener, since it has 3/4 time in it.  Then I have to work harder to be on step.  I like the ballad, since it has double time in it, and I like the closer since it's short.  I think the choreography is really cool. 

I have gotten better at a few things in marching band.  I've really learned how to dress, and minus one is pretty much automatic now.  Being on step is something I still have to work on, but I've gotten better at that. 

We have a double competition on the 23rd.  Apparently, they're not fun.  You sit on a bus for an hour or so, unload, warm up, perform, get awards, pack up, and do it again.  Our directors are taking the whole band to a fun spot near our second competition to relax and have fun.