It's only May and her last eighth grade semester homeschooling doesn't end for 17 week days, but Emily has already made the James Bowie High School Color Guard. Why audition so early? Because spring band camp starts next week. Oh no, the Bowie Band and Color Guard (The Guard) doesn't begin practicing when the fall semester hits, these kids will be putting in almost 300 hours rehearsing before the first day of school. Why, you ask. Because the James Bowie High School Outdoor Performing Ensemble are BOA Grand National Championship Finalists. That's why!
This year, The Guard practices 32 of the 80 days of summer break. That means 72 hours learning the flag routine and 224 hours practicing it with the marching band in the Texas heat. No wander the JBHS Color Guard member contractual agreement holds them to all scheduled rehearsals and events, leaving a little over 650 hours of free time in their 48 days this summer.
As a band ensemble mom, I look forward to helping car pool band and guard teens the 5 miles from their homes somewhere near the High School for their three times a day practices with the marching band. It will be interesting driving teenagers to Burger Stadium for their 8:00 am rehearsals. Then I will make myself available to transport them back and forth for their two hour lunch and dinner breaks in their 13 hour days in the sweltering August temperatures. I will be making sure they have water, food, and a cool place to rest when they are in my care. It will be a privilege to serve the children of these dedicated band families! Not sure if I'll be up for the 9:00 pm trip getting them back home safely, but by then most of their parents should be off work or the evening shift drivers can handle the task. We know these families are NOT taking vacation in August! Unless they have someone to watch their children, like we will.
How was I supposed to know last year not to schedule our 25th honeymoon cruise to Alaska in August? Thank God for retired parents who can travel here to stay with Emily, so she can make her JBHS Color Guard commitment! If you see my dad and mom dropping her off or picking her up, give them a shout out for me. They are saving the day for me, for a week!!
So thankful for healthy parents and child who can compete with one of the best marching bands in the nation. I truly believe God has given me a blessed life. With a supportive husband and an only child, we have more time and means to serve our community. In each chapter of life, I simple sit back and wait for the opportunities to bless the people God brings into my daughter and my life. It's better than playing Santa Claus once a year. I look forward to the daily gig carpooling that will enable me to interact with Emily's new friends. And the week with my husband in the untamed wilderness of God's country!
