And now for something completely different!

I attended auditions for Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993-1994 but made it as far as alternate. It was a humbling experience as I was around the corps environment full-time on those weekend rehearsals and yet had trouble keeping up. My reflexes were kinda slow, I was outta shape and slow at learning drill.

On the high school level I did alright, this corps at this time and place WAS GOING PLACES! I mean this was the year Crown broke into the top 12. I guess they had little time for remediation. I understand.

Also, during this time my father died, I moved out on my own, things began happening. I got distracted and stuff. I realized later it wasn't a good fit.

But anyway, during one rehearsal, the band director of the local high school hired me on the spot to be one of their colorguard instructors. That was cool. I came to a rehearsal and taught them all I knew about a proper warm-up (which I learned while at Crown) and soon realized it was way over their heads!

I later had car trouble and couldn't make it to their summer band camp and had to quit the job.

The next year I got hired by a local high school marching band for their band camp. I worked with all the sections: drum majors, percussion, brass and of course colorguard! It was a great experience. Even got a bonus check from the director.

I soon got involved in school and work and, again... put marching band and drum corps on the back burner...