Welcome to Snarkfest

Welcome to my snarky corner of the web. Join me as I discuss everything from wine to chocolate. There may be a few other topics mixed in there too. I talk a bunch about my amazing offspring, 24 and 21. I sometimes go on and on about my secret crush on the amazing Mike Rowe. I talk about things that irritate me or things that make me happy. Sometimes I just talk to hear myself talk. Feedback is always appreciated but please make sure it's respectable. No nudity or profanity. I'm the only one allowed to be profane. But any and all snark is welcome and appreciated!

Friday, September 12, 2014

So there's this band...

Maybe you've heard of them? They're the Jefferson High School Cougar Marching Band, and they are awesome. And I'm lucky enough this year to have not one but TWO daughters in this band. How cool is that??

17 is my senior trumpet player, and 14 is my alto sax player. 14's been ready to march in this band since she was, like, born. Seriously. Because this band is the best in the state of WV. One of the largest competing marching bands in WV, they were crowned State Champions last year in competition. Don't believe me? Watch this. Here's just a bit of background on this performance: it was POURING DOWN RAINING and they gave their best performance of the season at this competition. No lie, it was iffy as to whether or not they'd even go on because of the weather. There was a break in the storm and they marched onto the field proudly. They had just begun to perform when the skies opened up once again and drenched them. They marched through the gales and kicked some serious ass.

Storms of Africa

Video courtesy of Vox Domini Channel - Youtube.com

Ok, so those 4 people in the front with the umbrellas? That's us, me, hubby, 14 and her bestie Hannah Banana. Just for the record, at 5:22 that's 17's little solo. And yes, that's me screaming right afterwards. You can hear me screaming A LOT in this video. And at 9:35? That's the 'company front' and I swear to God I get chills every single time I watch it. You hear me scream doubly loud after the company front. Yes, I'm a goober but also a damn proud mom.

That's my girl!

My point (and yes, I am getting to it) is that this band continues to increase in size (145 when 17 was a freshman, currently 172) and there seems to be no end in sight. We always say it, every year, that it takes a village to move this band. We are required to have 1 chaperone for every 10 students on trips, we require 4 buses PLUS 2 trucks to move all the equipment. It's crazy. But we LOVE it and we wouldn't have it any other way. When it comes to marching bands, "SIZE MATTERS".

This year's show is Romeo and Juliet: Undead. I've seen some of the rehearsals and it sounds like it's going to be fantastic. Both my girls are so stoked about it. I, however, will not watch a single halftime performance, because I work in the concessions stand at every home football game. Lucky for me and for the rest of the dedicated parents who work every Friday night home game, we do get to see our kids perform at band competitions, like the one in that video. It's really special for us, because we are so unbelievably proud of these kids and the hard work they put in all year to perfect their show. 

They're going to Disney!!

So why do I work in concessions instead of sitting in the stands watching? Because marching band ain't cheap, my friends. No sir. Band fees, instrument maintenance, band camp (no American Pie jokes please), and this year, "We're going to Disney World!" That's right, every 4 years, the band does one major trip, and how excited am I that it falls on a year when BOTH my girls are in the band? I'm freaking tickled. Seriously. But like I said, it ain't cheap. And by working in the concessions stand, we get a small percentage of the evening's profit, so we work to offset the cost of things. This year I'm thinking of taking a part-time job, but sadly, the only skills I have are blogging and wrapping up hot dogs. Any and all donations are accepted.

Know anyone hiring a hot dog wrapping blogger?



13 comments:

  1. You have spoken the truth. I have tears. We are so blessed to have such a fabulous organization helping our off-spring become amazing adults, because great band families produce great adults. And, sadly, I miss those evenings in the concessions stand. But now, I'm off to watch the WVU Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band perform and cheer on my son, who graduated from the amazing JHS Marching Band program. Peace out!

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    1. Say HEY to Dominic for us!!! We miss you in concessions!

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  2. Miss Trumpet Player looks a helluva lot like Snarkamarchingbandamamalita. :D

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    1. Thanks Toby. Luckily she did not get my inability to carry a tune in a bag with a handle.

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  3. I was in band in high school. Things sure have changed! Fund raisers and Kickstart. Have a freaking yard sale!

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  4. I promise to shop Amazon through Snarkfest. Pinky-swear.

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  5. As the proud mother of a former 6 year marching band member, I know your pride. I also know the costs. We did non-stop fundraising. Our band traveled every other year. Enjoy this time to the fullest, you'll miss it when it's over. :)

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    1. Oh Denise, I have no doubt I'll miss it. I love this band and am so proud to be a part of the band family. Gonna break my heart when my youngest graduates.

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  6. Very impressive! No wonder you're so proud!

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  7. I bet you are a very proud momma! Two talented kids you got there.

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