We're No Awa Tae Bide Awa....

I can't believe it.  It's Graduation Week(end)....  Saying "farewell" to our boys in the Class of 2011 is going to be a tough one!  We had another year of measurable growth within the band and can easily identify the footprints of our seniors.  They rolled up their sleeves, lead with confidence, and provided us with hours of entertainment.

They have such bright futures!!!

Here's what I know so far....

Zach Mauer....United States Merchant Marine Academy, King's Point
Charles Lauer....United States Naval Academy, Annapolis
Russell Baghdadi...United States Military Academy, West Point
Christopher Braganolo...University of Illinois at Chicago
Joseph Miller...University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
Max Devine...University of West Florida
Ian Blecker...University of Arizona
Honorable Mention to Marcellus Johnson (had to leave piping to be the school's First Captain!)...DePaul University

I haven't heard final choices from the others...but will give them due recognition once I have!

I am going to stock up on the kleenex....we'll be a mess next Friday and Saturday.

For we're no' awa' tae bide awa', 
For we're no' awa tae le'e ye, 
For we're no' awa' tae bide awa', 
We'll aye come back an' see ye.

We WON...Best in Parade!!!

I was just floating around the internet tonight getting a lot of MSOPD business done....and thought to look at the Ballyshaners, Inc. website.  (They were the hosts of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Alexandria, VA)  Lo and behold.....SJNMA won BEST IN PARADE!!!!!  OMG!!!!

I am so proud of the boys!  That was an awesome day and now...it's even "awesomer"....  Another feather in their glens!  WOOT!  WOOT!

We're Back!...and ready for our next event!

I have no idea where the time went, but it certainly did! We were busy from morning until evening each day. Unfortunately this left me a tad unable to keep you as entertained as I had imagined!

The boys were.....AWESOME! They looked, sounded and performed as professionals and we could not have been much prouder than we were. Truly, it was a sight to see. We raised the bar and they met every expectation.

We performed twice at the Westin Hotel on behalf of SJNMA and President Albert. Sunday we arrived with a small group of advanced pipers and drummers to open the Conference. 4 of our drummers served as Honor Guard and they were very impressive. They completed their duties with uncommon precision and deportment. It's really nice to have such great guys in our school...and in our band!

Monday evening we arrived with the whole lot. All 45. Kilted and ready to play! (Sidebar: I have never seen twelve 16 inch pepperoni pizzas disappear like they did...and that was just an appetizer....omg....!!!) I don't believe that anyone there, other than our own administration, had seen anything quite like it. Our audience consisted of the presidents, commandants, and provosts of the military colleges and high schools in the US. This includes West Point, The Citadel, Culver....you name it! We were showered with accolades and thanks. It was an exceptional moment for everyone. And that, folks, is what it's all about.....
        .....All the hard work. All the practice. All the patience of hearing squeaky sounds and unknown tunes. All of it. Playing in a pipe band is a terribly difficult thing to do! They did a wonderful job!!!!

Here are some photos....I am in search of others. I know there were some pretty funny and "live" shots taken by the kids themselves!

Alexandria!

Sorry we haven't written! Alexandria is such a gorgeous city! We are staying on King St in the Old Town area. I'll post a photo album later today.

We played in the Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade yesterday. 60 degrees and overcast. Perfect piping weather! We were the last unit in the event and the crowd loved us! The boys all looked wonderful! (I think it was the first time everyone had the same uniform..for real)

Some of the advanced pipers and drummers decided to give "busking" a try....and they were amazing. They played on street corners in the Old Town all night long. They made "bank"! A good way for them to earn some cash and get a lot of practice. The crowds were often 20-50 people who were dancing and clapping and taking photos. A VERY fun evening for the boys!

We're just about to hit the dusty trail!

The kids have been in great spirits all week!

Getting Ready To Go!

We're only a few short days away from boarding the bus! We will make sure the laundry is done, the boys are properly packed, homework is in order, allowances have been obtained, uniforms are complete, music is memorized, cameras ready etc., etc., etc! We're going to the store tomorrow to buy some extra patience and sanity! :)

It's gonna be a blast!