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.

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