So many reasons why I do not teach marching band...

As I have mentioned before my 8th grade students this year are a challenge. Getting ready for the parade has been no exception. Everyday kids whine that it is hot and they do not want to march. Once outside I keep having to remind them to keep their instrument at attention, guide left, and move their feet in time. Many of them think the percussion keeping the left left left right left on the snare drum to be just a suggestion. So last week we are marching back in towards the school and up our parking lots long driveway. My low brass are not guiding left as usual and I have had it. I start yelling “guide, look where you are going” just as this statement passes my lips I run into a road sign. Talk about not looking where you are going. I was fine, it took me a few seconds to register what had just happened and then I fell over laughing. Most of the band was oblivious and just keep marching. Only the last two rows of kids actually saw my face make contact with the sign. Even if they did not see it happen everyone knew by the time we were inside, what can I say good new travels fast. In fact a few of the teacher got to see reenactments of it in the hallway after school. I asked one of my kids why did you not tell me I was about to walk into a sign and his reply was, “I was too busy listening to what you were saying Mrs. H” (that was the first time that ever happened.) Just to add insult to injury the sign I hit was a handicapped sign!