Thursday, October 21, 2010

Canada

Canada is located to the north of the United States.  People there can speak either French or English.  Apparently, French Canada has been trying to break away from the English speaking part of Canada.  I don't really care much about that, though.  I am not very good with the French language, and I have been desperately wanting to visit Canada.  I have really been wanting to go to Nova Scotia.  It's literal translation is New Scotland.  They have festivals at certain times of the year in which people celebrate their Scottish heritage with dancing and Scottish music.  I have also heard from various Canadians that public schools in Nova Scotia have been wanting to teach their students how to speak Gaelic. 

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Marching Band

I have been involved in marching band since the sixth grade.  For those that do not understand the nuts and bolts of marching, it may seem a lot easier than it looks.  Marching band requires a lot of skill.  First off, you have to learn the basics of marching.  You have to learn how to transition from moving forward to backward while still staying in step.  Next you have to be coordinated enough to march and play.  Then, you have to be able to read the drill chart, which shows the forms that need to be created.  Then you have to learn how to create those forms that are on the drill chart.  Then you have to be able to play while trying to make the form.  The only way that you can do that is to watch the other band members with your periperal vision and then try to adjust to the form that they are making.  Lastly, you have to build up enough endurance to march the entire show and maintain your sound.  Marching band probably sounds a lot more difficult to you now, but when you get the hang of it, it is definitely a rewarding activity.