According to Facebook, the kids are all pretty psyched up for the trip.
Last night was the final rehearsal. I showed up early to take some pics. A few are here.
I have to give a big compliment to the staff. Imagine short attention span teenagers, drummers at that, working on the details of the show over and over again. Then throw in excitement and nerves, a general feeling that every rehearsal is Groundhog Day, too much homework to do with not enough time, a prom, Spring break, teenage hormones, and about a hundred other distractions, and simply getting this group of 30 kids all doing anything together is a real challenge. The discipline instilled early on in the season was all needed last night. I think it was rehearsal hour 200+ and progress was still being made.
There is only one reason Ted Mascarri does this. We know it's not because of the money. It is because of his passion. The man loves the art or percussion, loves to see the kids learn, loves them like a second family. I don't care if it sounds corney. My kids are two of those in the group. What they are getting from Teddy and the rest of the staff is not just some music lessons, some drill instruction, but more a lesson in work ethic, rewards for effort, learning that their limits are never attained but always one step further than they think. My kids see this staff more than me this time of year. And that is just fine with me.
Over the next 3 days they will test not only their performance skills, but their metal, their fortitude, their ability to concentrate and perform regardless of the spectacle. They will learn about the rewards of their 6000 kid-hours of time they put into this show. Those rewards may come in the form of medals and trophies, or in the form of some tough lessons on how single moments change lives. Regardless of outcome, it's all good.
The staff has brought these kids, many from the program's inception 5 years ago, to the point of being contenders in WGI Worlds. Imagine the shock on the faces of traditional favorite groups when this name from nowhere in NY beats them in Prelims. If, and it is a big "if," these kids can hold it together, and keep the 5 inches between their ears in the game, and make finals, then this could be quite a cinderella story.
No pressure.
About 75 people showed up to watch the last couple run throughs last night. Yes, spectators at rehearsal. It was a nice sendoff.
Next entry will be Thursday morning at rehearsal prior to prelims. Stop back.
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