As everybody knows, the Putnam City High School Band has been a central part of our lives for many years.
It started with Jimmy. He actually trail blazed the way for his younger siblings, as I had never been a band parent before. There was a lot to learn! Marching competitions, equipment needed, expenses, time consumed, fund raising, practicing before sunrise, coda tryouts, drumline tryouts... WOW! I had no idea what being a band parent entailed!
Next, there was Shelby. I already knew the score by that time, and it was much easier... except perhaps the year she broke her ankle in the middle of marching season.
Finally, there is John. By this time, it's a given that band is a part of our lives... except for one thing...
John has decided to leave the band. I can't believe it!!!! But, last week he sat down with me for a serious talk. He has a number of reasons for wanting to leave, all of them valid; the main one being he is working very hard to graduate with honors.
It's probably silly that this whole thing has made me cry the past few days, because it really is up to him. We band parents are supposed to be there for our kids, not the other way around! I keep hoping he will reconsider, but ultimately the decision is his.
Here are a few other memories from the years John has been in band and even before...
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John seemed destined to be a percussionist back when he thought that Jimmy's practice pad made a great toy.
Here he is as the Band Queen crown-bearer back in 2005, when Shelby was a Sophomore.
From some of the football games:
It's been a good time being a band parent, now it's time to rest. :)
