Finals at Regional Championships - St George

The American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard made it into the final competition at the Bands of American Regional Competition. The bands all competed in the morning and afternoon, then they bring 10 of them back to perform again in a final competition. So it is the best of the best. The bands are amazing. They all have great shows. It is interesting to watch as they each tell their "story"

Our band had a little get together before they performed. They brought the big display banner with the picture of Heather Christensen (the instructor who died when the band bus crashed). She was there watching over them as Mr Miller gave them their final instructions. The band performed wonderfully. It brought tears to my eyes again, you would think that with as many times as I have watched this show that I wouldn't be affected by it. But it gets me every time.

For the awards ceremony they bring in the whole band onto the field. It was quite the project lining up 10 bands to march onto the stadium field.


The scores were announced for each band starting with 10th place. As they announced each band, every band member got presented with a medal. Each time they announced a band and it wasn't ours we knew we were getting closer to the top places. They got down to the last two schools, and we were all on pins and needles waiting. When they announced 2nd place, the crowd errupted - those cheering for Clovis West who got 2nd place and the rest of the crowd cheering because we now knew that American Fork had gotten FIRST! The medals were presented to the band by members of Heather Christensen's family. That was really special.

After the awards were all done, American Fork did an encore performance of their show. The band Dads brought all the equipment back out and the band lined up at the end of the field. It was a very special performance - the kids all knew that it was the last time they would perform it. The family 's who have watched all season from up in the stands came down and stood on the track right next to the field, the band Dad's all ran up to the top of the stadium to watch from on high. It was neat. I enjoyed watching things up close.



As the band finished and filed off the field - they were given the "at ease" command, and as one they ran to the picture of Heather and stood around it just being together.

Here's to the best Color Guard in the State and Region.
Thanks for all of your hard work, long practice days and nights, patience with each other. It all paid off in the end. You guys were fabulous!

"Bob" and "Bob"

Once upon a time . . .

Rachael wanted her sister Jessica and hollered "Carla". Jessica hollered back "Bob" and the rest is history. Jessica calls Rachael "Bob" and Rachael calls Jessica "Bob". In Rachael's phone the name "Bob" will get you Jessica. Jessica sends mail to "Bob"

So here they are together "Bob" and "Bob"

Two daughters who share a love of the American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard.

Bands of America - Regional Championship - Part 2

Bands of America - Regional Championship

Saturday, November 7, 2009

The day started early - Marching Bands began taking the practice field at 8:00 am. Richard and I were again helping out at the competition. For the morning we were in charge of taking water and food to the other volunteers. Richard drove us around in a golf cart delivering stuff here and there. The parking lots, the practice fields, the entrance to the stadium, the judging stands. We drove the judges to lunch and in between tried to watch some of the bands perform. Small bands and big bands, there were all fun to watch. Interesting shows, fun props, loud music, quiet music. A Warm day in the sun.


The bands are all judged and given a score, the top ten bands advance to the finals. American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard made the top ten. See you in the finals!

Red Rock Competiton - Part 2

The American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard competed at the Red Rocks Competition in St George. The kids got to go down on Thursday, November 4th. They had a long afternoon practice, a little free time, then a dinner and dance at a local High School. A number of the other bands got together for the dance. Rachael said she had a fun time.

Richard and I headed to St George early on Friday morning. We met up with the kids at the Hotel at lunch time. We got Rachael's hair up in the rag curlers. One of the girls in Rachael's room was staying in a Hotel for the first time.




Richard and I volunteered to help with the judges. We were part of the group who made sure the judges had plenty of snacks and drinks. We also picked up dinner for them. It was fun to help make things go well for the event.

My parents came down and spent the weekend with us to enjoy Rachael and the band.





We watched a lot of bands compete today. A number of them from out side the state of Utah. There are lots of kids who love their dancing and music. They practice their instruments, practices their throwing of flags, rifles, and sabers. They learn a routine around the field, and practice that day in and day out. I was so proud of every one of them tonight.

Thank you Rachael for enjoying what you do and letting us be a part of it.

Red Rocks Marching Band Competition

LaCaille

Rachael got the opportunity to go to LaCaille Restaurant in Sandy. LaCaille is a very fancy and expensive restaurant. The "Teen Living" class goes every year after they have had some etiquette classes. Rachael has looked forward to this "field trip" for months.

Here are some of the pictures that she took.
Rachael and McKaylee

Rachael's main course.

Dessert




Enjoying the grounds



Two girls who had a GREAT time!


Thanks American Fork Junior High School for sponsoring such a fun "Field Trip"