The heat is on!

The corps continues to work hard on the show. They are now working on the third movement and are doing great.

It's been very hot and humid for the past couple of days, so there have been a few dehydration issues. The staff is keeping a close eye on the kids and are encouraging them to drink lots of fluids. The staff has also reminded the corps that if they aren't feeling well, to let a staff member know immediately so appropriate action can be taken.

Last night the corps moved from the gym into the Akins band hall due to a basketball tournament taking place this week. While the boys were gathering their belongings on their side of the gym, a small field mouse ran out from under a suit case. (Akins High School is in a rural area so there are a few critters around). You never heard a group of boys scream so much in your life! Meanwhile, the girls are trying to catch the mouse and commenting on how cute it is. So much for being macho, guys!

We have three birthdays to celebrate in the next couple of days. Aaron who is in the color guard is celebrating his birthday on June 12, while Tommy with the front ensemble and Norihito who is on snare drum both celebrate theirs on June 13. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!

Oh, and one more thing - if you want to know how many trips to the store one has to make in order to fix mashed potatoes, ask Sheri. And we're taking instant mashed potatoes! Sheri ended up having to go to the store twice! Uh, Sheri, next time read directions on the box before you leave the store.

The show is taking shape

It's amazing how much work the corps can do in a 24 hour period. The difference between last evening and this evening is incredible. The intro and ballad are done. It looks and sounds phenomenal, and it's only been a few days! By the time they get to Indy for the finals, it will indeed be a masterpiece.

Rehearsal was cut short this evening due to some severe storms that moved through Austin. Everyone marched from the field and into the Akins gym where they were treated to birthday cake. Ashley, one of the members of the guard, is 19 today. It's also Ashley's mom's birthday as well, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both of you!

Today's bone head move of the day is brought to us by Dan. He locked the key inside the band director's office. This isn't just any key, it's the only master key the corps has to get into the different areas of the school. Lucky for Dan the Akins band director is a really nice guy and came to the rescue. It's OK, Dan. We still love you!

Rehearsal-Day 2

There are a lot of sore feet and sore bodies, but overall the kids are doing great. Parent volunteers are keeping everyone well fed and are making sure everyone is eating a well balanced diet, including their veggies. Some of the kids commented that the parent volunteers sound like their own parents at home: "I don't see any vegetables on your plate!"

The Akins High School head band director was on site for a brief time today and watched the drum line for a bit. He was very impressed and commented on how great they sounded.

Mark your calendars for the Texas Drum Corps Preview on June 20 at the State Capital in Austin. The performances start at 7:30pm. And don't forget to drop a note or card in the mail for your child. A few words of encouragement from home can do wonders!

The 2009 Season has begun!

This evening, the corps settled into their new home for the next two weeks, Akins High School in South Austin. The corps will begin rehearsals tomorrow.

The kids seem to be very excited and can't wait to get to work. Crhistian Salinas said he is "excited to be here, it's a new experience." Second year vet Adam Castaneda is "a little nervous but pretty excited overall."

James Haynes spent the evening walking around the school wearing one of the new uniform hats. He wanted to get a good feel for the hat and also wanted to make sure the Velcro holding the star on would take the abuse of marching on the field. He gave it two thumbs up!

I'll be updating the blog every few days until the tour starts, so check back for the latest news!

by Connie Gaddy