October 3, 2009 at 10:31 pm by THSGEMB

Of all the many lessons our children learn from the experience of being part of the marching band, perhaps the most difficult one is disappointment. Our kids have learned to weather the ups and downs of competition results from week to week. They have even faced the very tough loss of a hard-fought championship. Tonight, disappointment was an uninvited guest once more when torrential rain, lightning and yes, even a tornado warning, forced the cancellation of our annual home competition.
The rain began as the first two or three bands took the field in what is typically the largest Musical Arts Conference competition of the year, the Trumbull High School “Classic.” These Class I bands stoically performed their shows as the rain fell harder and harder, even as claps of thunder offered an unwelcome addition to their music.
Eventually, a rain delay was called. This was followed by an immediate evacuation of everyone on the field as soon as a tornado warning was issued for the area. Parents and spectators huddled in interior hallways of Trumbull High School hoping that the storm would pass so that they could enjoy a night of music and marching.
Yet it was not to be. There was no let-up in the storms nor in the lightning. The field was under water. The Trumbull Classic would have to wait another year.
Yes, there were parents who poured their heart and soul into preparing a first-class event: from organizing volunteers to buying and preparing food. But the most crestfallen group was undoubtedly our seniors, the students who had spent countless hours over the past four years, preparing for this, their special night. Most never had the honor they had earned of leading our guest bands onto the field. They didn’t have the opportunity to perform their show for their hometown crowd and scores of visiting alumni. They did not have the chance to hear their names as they were being called forward to be recognized for their four years of dedication to the activity that means the most to them.
Disappointment is a difficult lesson, but our kids are well-equipped to handle it. They do so by leaning on one another, enjoying the fellowship of working together towards a common goal. These seniors may not have had the chance to shine on their special night. But it was certainly an evening that won’t soon be forgotten. And they are still our shining stars, even on a stormy night.
Elena Tallian

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2 Comments »

Well personally I write this as a parent and volunteer not anything else. So In case a Blog Admin ID gets stamped on this entry you should know this comes from me personally and not any Blog administrator.

This is from my proud dad role as: Mark DeAngelis

I found myself in total agreement with this post by Elena, and at the same time wondering how we still find the time and the place to honor the seniors and Mr. Horton and provide the level of attention and honor that should have been paid during a well planned Intermission. We must find a way to do that still. I would be lying if I told you I am over the Preview and Get-Together that we as parents were supposed to have before the West Haven Show that never happened due to inclement weather. In case we need any reminders the weather does not have feelings for us or our events but all of us involved do have feelings and some of us need to vent. So I invite you to vent here – please!

Disappointment is not easy to get over, and I can think of thousands of us who are disappointed as we must remember that all of those bands that came and played, or planned to come are likely disappointed too. Everyone I met last night and I met bands and parents from a dozen towns – they all looked eagerly towards our classic and for a good reason. We throw a good party and everyone knows it.

Our character is built in many ways from how we channel that disappointment and frustration. “Lessons Learned” are not always from the positive experiences but sometimes they come from these little blips on the radar of life that come from a thunderstorm or tornado that pop up and ruin our night, but should not do anything to the greater picture of our season.

So how do we now find a way to honor the seniors and Mr. Horton in a fitting manner, How do we “Do Over” Saturday’s Intermission from “Our Classic” at a different venue, and give the seniors and Mr. Horton the honor and awards that they both deserve for years of exceptional memories? I won’t allow every party for us to be rained out without a fight.

Mark DeAngelis

Comment by THSGEMB — October 4th, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
After five previous Classics, this event has an almost “Christmas” like status in our home. Our family is pretty active in the planning for the event and we plan for it with the same effort that we plan for Christmas (and maybe even a little more!).

While every Classic is very special, this one was to be very special for our family: our high school sophomore son was to perform with Trumbull to be followed our college sophomore son performing with the 385 member University of Massachusetts (Amherst) Minuteman Marching Band. Trust me: that combination is very, very, rare and precious.

Mostly I am deeply sad for our senior bandos and guardos. By my count, the typical senior student has practiced or performed over 925 hours by now (with more hours ahead for this year). This doesn’t include the time that many spend in our winter programs.

As they apply for colleges, they’ll soon find out that this dedication pays off: college admissions officers will tell them that committing themselves to something like marching band for four years in high school is well regarded because it is good indicator of their ability to stay with a rigorous program in college.

For most if not all of these seniors, that doesn’t help with their immediate disappointment. They asked for little: a chance to perform for their hometown crowd and hear their name read. Unfortunately, the weather (decisively) wouldn’t allow it.

I am positive we will find a “second-best” way of honoring our these dedicated seniors. I hope that when it is announced and you hear about it, you’ll come and given them this second chance at shining. I can promise you that your efforts will be well rewarded.

Comment by Tom Foth — October 4th, 2009 @ 5:23 pm