Neglected (RePosted)

A week off (so far). It's been hard for me. I'm sure the girls enjoy the time off. And they should. They deserve it.

For me, it's eating into the "ahead of the game" time that we were (are) in to.

I had hoped to finish "doomsday" by this week. No worries. Partners are set and good. The work we know (WE KNOW WORK) looks decent. I'm pleased.

I wish I could do more. They deserve it.

We'll be fine.

First Priority

This team is going to be my top priority again. I've been so
distracted. I want so much go them. To be a strong team, to learn, to
be competitive.
Even if we are "small" (as if 20 is tiny, right?!?), this team can
make an impact.
But I have to take them there. I want to. I have to.

I will.

---------------------
ENO(ugh) is enough.

The Reason We Are Here

Our goal, our JOB in this (activity) is "to move the music".

We are all in band, so the music is a given. It will always be there,
because it's what bands do. We must make it more. Give it life. Make
it more interesting for ourselves and our audience.
The process of bringing it to life is what makes what we do great. The
growth, expression, unity, creativity and everything else is what is
most important.

To come away from what we do stronger and more confident is the key to
success.

Ritual

It seems that ritual is important to good performance. This experience (Romeo and Juliet) has reminded me of that.
It has been many years since I last performed, but the feelings have all returned as if it was yesterday.
I remember being at the gate, waiting to go on. Watching the Devils (or whoever was before us) and preparing to go on the field. We didn't have a literal character to play (like I have for R&J). For us it was more about being "bad ass", or "in the zone", "on fire".
There were lots of grunts and groans and loud "YEAH! Let's do this!". Jumping up and down...you name it and someone was doing it to get ready to perform.
Everyone had their own thing.I needed to have a little space from the group. Not too far, I fed off of their energy. But far enough that I could do my own thing.
I was pretty mellow. I paced a lot, shaking out arms and legs while thinking through random parts of the show. I remember in '89 whenever we saw Phantom, we got to the gate during the "ballad". It had a nice "beat" (jazzy actually) so I would find myself "groovin' to da sounds of da Phantom Regiment". Every time. Even at finals. But mostly, I kept to myself. Getting in to the show.
It seems now that I still prepare the same way. During my time in Romeo and Juliet I would wander off and pace as I went over my lines.
Still shaking out arms and legs, sometimes swinging a sword or waving a gun to help me find my character.
It felt a lot like all those years in the Vanguard. The same kind of intensity and focus. And once I got on stage, it all came out. It feels good to let it happen. To get rid of all of the rest of life's issues through my prep and performance.

It felt good to be in that place (again).

Everyone has their way. We just have to find it.

So many things to do (for real)…

Time is moving fast. We will finish "Doomsday". It will be a nice moment.

1. Finish Doomsday

2. Measure Everyone

3. Parade Routine (at LEAST start)

4. Start Marching

5. STAGE "Doomsday"!

6. San Marino Carve Exercise

(Janis, your the best)

This team will be good. I can feel it.

AND Jeebus told me!! I'm not even wearing a Plus! (But I do keep one close)

Mulan will be amazing. Intense. Moving away from the 'cute' shows and into the 'mature' shows…

They're ready. (I'm ready)

(quack - shhh!)

"El Barto" Uniform

Hmmm... Maybe...

I gotta say, it was a good day

Learned some work today. Looked rough, but a MUCH better rough than
last year!
I'm going to have to be on top of things this year. If they aren't
good, I'll blame myself. (you hear that Janis? On Top Of Things!!)

The work looks good. Not (too) recycled, and Brianne brought lots to
the table. Doomsday will be a very nice moment. (I crack myself up)

These good days don't seem to be a fluke. That's great. I think that
means the "Peanut Gallery" has left the theater for good. (whew)

Well, gotta go, I must protect the goode towne of Verona (like a good
Prince should).