Band Chronicles

Revised: November 09, 2002

The Community of the Green Hope High School Band

Tragedy and Triumph; Our Band's Tribute

Phoenix Trip Cancelled

Wrap-Up

Our Band’s Not Just About Cars…

Our Band’s Not Just About Cars…

Wow. What can I possibly say to describe how much everything has meant to me? At the mere thought of Internal Combustion, so many emotions are provoked and countless memories reel through my mind. Last set of the show, last set of the season – I loved it.

I’ve been reading this website’s guest book lately and so many different people have had so many great things to say – the impact that this season has had on them, their good memories, and the many thank-you’s to the people who made it possible. Internal Combustion came alive last Saturday night in Sanford, and I think the people who felt it the most were the members on the field – the individuals who sacrificed so much of their time and energy, and the ones who kept working when they could have stopped. “I never knew marching band could be this fun,” was what one person told me. And well, you never really understand the activity until you actually experience it. No, I don’t necessarily mean the feeling of marching on the field with an audience and Andy at the podium. I’m talking about the overall character that marching band creates, the atmosphere we get comfortable in, and the times we’ve shared together.

I marched off the field Saturday night in tears, almost bawling as we stood waiting to take our group picture. I never thought I’d be quite that emotional, but I guess I realized how important all of this means to me. Yes, we had just played our last performance of Internal Combustion and it was amazing. But on the same regards, that was the final day that we’d be together doing what we had all “dreamed big” about. I admit, I’ll sincerely miss all the seniors, though that wasn’t the only reason I was crying. So many people have had a great influence on me – people from different grades, different sections, and different lifestyles. We were all uncommon individuals who managed to be a part of one great thing – success. Please don’t mistake trophies and judges sheets as demonstrations of how well we did. The real success comes from knowing what you achieved, what you overcame to meet high standards, how hard you worked, how much you persevered, and how much fun you had in the process. The Falcon Regiment is only a name, but our small community of band people (musicians, parents, director, instructors, and the other unmentioned contributors) is what truly demonstrates the quality of this group. Magic was what we wanted, but we didn’t wish for it, we earned it.

At the beginning of the summer I was given a list of the girls in my section, some of which were returning members, others were rookies. From the beginning of June until this past weekend, I sacrificed countless hours to make sure I left Saturday night knowing I did my best. I have no regrets. Band camp (in the sun and rain), practices, sectionals, the Hot Mamas… it all adds up to the overall impression I now have of our season – inspirational and so incredible. Thank you to every person who came that first day of band camp and who marched off the field at “Paul B. Gay Stadium” (very memorable name, I’m sure). I don’t think you realize how much of an impact you’ve made on others as well as yourself. Practicing to perform is one thing, but finally performing is on a whole different level. I love putting on that uniform and hearing the announcer ask the drum majors if the band is ready. “Trusting? TRUST ON!”

So many of us will grow up to be businesspeople, housewives, famous innovators, engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, or maybe even the person in that big white house. Well, you’ll all look back at your high school years and remember the things that you enjoyed; the times that made you feel good about yourself. The Falcon Regiment gives/gave you a niche in society, an outlet to express yourself, and a medium for your art. Teenagers are far too often underestimated. We made the unimaginable possible, and we said, “We will,” when others said, “We’ll try.”

I didn’t care what field we were ever on, which competition we played at, who the other bands were, or what other people thought of us. All I ever cared about was the feeling I got from being with this marching band, the individuals who made everything worthwhile. Thank you for bringing me to tears on Saturday. I realized how important this marching band is to me, and I’m craving for next season without a hesitation. I hope to see you there.

With love,
Christine Choi

Submitted on: 11/6/02

Wrap-Up

November 4, 2002

Some of the best advice I ever got as kid came from my grandmother. She was the kind of person that saw a lesson in everything and took the time to make sure that we kids understood what something was REALLY all about. She used to say regularly, "figure out what you want, list what you'll settle for and then determine what you will have to give up to get either choice A or B." She always had wisdom to share and simple phrases that would make it so clear. The other phrase she would throw at us reguarly was, "buy quality-- no sense buying something that will break, or fall apart." The third grandma pearl of wisdom that runs through my head as an adult was "get back the horse when she throws you, you'll always be glad afterwards that you took the risk--life gives back to you what you invest and you can't invest when you quit."

The staff and I started on Internal Combustion last February. We met a couple of times and started with several hundred ideas. We talked, sketched rough ideas on paper and then tried to make them a reality. March and April I spent trying to get the music written and like every creative process I had met with some successes and a lot of failures. Honestly, there were times that we almost scratched the whole show and try to find something else. I hacked through the obstacles and kept writing. The end of the school year met with a whole laundry lists of things to do- concerts, meetings, festivals, honor bands, graduation, etc. But we still were able to get a rough idea of the show out there before the end of the year. From June 1-15 I spent countless hours talking through the ideas with different people and we started seeing if we could make things come to life. The design and creation of the props, the use of a real live street light and permission to use road signs were just a few of the obstacles to overcome. In addition, we had to find another percussion instructor and two new colorguard people (well actually a combination of four who could do the work for the season). Write, re-write, write, re-write. Print drill at camp-- who has a cd burner and an internet connection?

We met with the students and talked about "ground rules" and "commitment"-- these two elements would be the keystone to our success. The boosters drafted a reasonable budget and the student leaders and I met to discuss what kind of band we wanted to have and how we would run the group. We mailed out music and then Internal Combustion seemed to take on a life of its own. Section leaders made phone calls and had group meetings- some even made cool t-shirts and came up with names for their teams! The section leaders met for a day at the ropes course-- man was that fun!

Band camp came closer and closer and as usual I had to do the sales job for the ones who didn't know what they were getting into. The drum will get lighter as you get used to it, all of the rehearsals are not this long and tiring, you want to be a part of something great while you are in high school. These daily dramas will get to you but through it all we saw a tireless group of students who wouldn't let setbacks hold them up.

What do you want? I asked this of many kids at various points in the season. To be the best they would say. To make something artistic they would say. To go out with a bang the seniors would say. What will you settle for? Nothing less than we can give they would say. Nothing less than the best they would say. I will settle for only knowing that I prepared as much as I possibly could many would say. What did you have to give up? Time, energy, comfort, a little bit of yourself, patience. What would be expected from you? respect, discipline, accountablity, maturity, responsibility, relentless effort. Do you understand how disciplined of a group you will need to be? Yes. Do you know that I will spend time dealing with people who give less than the group's expectation? Yes. Do you know that if you buy into this that you can be the best? Yes they said. Band Camp starts and a way we go! Look at those freshmen. Wow! this won't take much to get them up to snuff. the DUCK WALK. Wilmington--Don't look back. Set the first set-- RAIN COMES. Do you want to go in? NO. Come on? let's go in-- No, they say--8 sets. What was the hottest day of the year in Wilmington-- the last day of band camp! Did you fall? Nope. What did you do-- worked until the end. Put seven more on the field they said.

Game 1- wow. Game 2-wet and wow (do you just want to change and go home? No way they said). Extra rehearsals-- ugh 7am (why, I could sleep- -because we need to.. okay, man I'm there and ready to get it right.)... No Chapel Hill? What about Bands of America?-- what miss homecoming? It's okay- I'll have three other homecomings. What is this EYE OF THE TIGER STUFF? BOA- WOW! first time visitor- great score and placing against the very best from other states. Va. Beach here we come-- HOT! ugh- defeated? Not! Cold showers at the hotel and lots of soda and PIZZA- We love pizza. Round 2-- not to be denied! Back to school-- throw some new moves in and clean it up. NW Guilford-- you are the bomb judge says. The bands from UNC are going to Burlington-- 8 great bands. Got Hope?-- Green Hope. Oh, we're tired.. want to stop? No, one more! Here we come Lee County! Yes, a peak performance! Way to go out!

What are the rewards? Don't look at the trophies to answer that question. Trophies stand for excellence and that is it. Certainly, we are proud of our accomplishments and the hardware will always stay at Green Hope to show the next generation what our standards are but when you think of the rewards you have to look beyond the obvious. You teenagers are the best of what we have in schools anywhere. Your rewards are that you are a part of a group of people that really cares about you. You share your life with your friends. You give and you take at the same time. You know what it is to perform and you gain confidence as a result. You have the ability to overcome obstacles- nothing in this world will seem impossible to you now. You are rewarded with respect and admiration from other schools and from professional musicians. You have earned the respect of your parents and of other adults who were just waiting for you to find a place where you could blossom. You have a band director and a staff who look at themselves at times with amazement for we can't believe what you can do and how well you do it. You have pride inside knowing that you can do whatever you set your mind to. You have learned what it takes to be the best-- that little formula of imagination, dreaming, developing a plan and sticking to the plan will always yield success. Lastly, you will have a lifetime of memories to cherish. Thank you for giving that to me as well.

You are an impressive group of people. Grandma said buy quality--- I did just that, I came to Green Hope.

Mark Beamish

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Phoenix Trip Cancelled

October 22, 2001

Dear Green Hope Band Family,

As you are well aware based on our discussion two weeks ago regarding the Green Hope Band and participation in the Fiesta Bowl, a difficult decision had to be made regarding continuing with plans to attend this event. A decision has been made after extreme consternation and fully weighing all factors and risks related to the completion of this project. The Green Hope Band has cancelled all plans to travel to Phoenix to participate in this year’s Fiesta Bowl.

The decision to ask the Fiesta Bowl to allow the Green Hope Band to cancel from this year’s event was amazingly complicated and difficult, as I know how many students were hopeful that we could find a way to participate in this event. The Fiesta Bowl Chairperson has expressed that Green Hope would be given an invitation to perform at another year’s festivities if we were so interested. Further, we will work hard to make some sort of great performance opportunity more regionally located this year for our first group of graduating seniors.

There were two levels of factors and the decision to cancel was based only on the following:
Most Relevant
1) The band’s ability to perform was too depleted by members who chose to cancel plans within the last two weeks.
2) Within the last week the number of cancellations almost doubled leaving us with the uncertainty of how many more families would elect to cancel in coming weeks.
3) The financial loss would be substantial for a cancellation after November 1st for each individual and the entire band booster organization.
4) The unstable climate in the world does not provide enough security for the risk taken. Terrorist attacks of one kind or another have continued since we last met.
5) The experience was designed to be a “performance opportunity” not just a “trip”.

Of some relevance
1) Concern over a possible extension of the School Board’s ban on out of state Field Trips
2) The worry about having children thousands of miles from their families during this holiday season.
3) Risks related to flying since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 exposed the vulnerability of air travel in this country at this time.
4) Separating families by thousands of miles in the event of terrorist attack and the risk of being potentially being stranded somewhere between Phoenix and Raleigh.
5) Little reassurance from vendors that we could cancel without serious financial loss.
6) A gut feeling that was too strong to ignore.

With the number of cancellations and the amount of concern shown in recent weeks regarding this topic, the Green Hope Band is too depleted an ensemble to participate in the event as planned. To participate in the event in another capacity would lessen the experience and the bottom line would be that the Fiesta Bowl would amount to a “trip to Phoenix” not “ a great performance opportunity for the band.” Further, in light of recent events, the risks (related to safety and monetary investment) are simply too uncertain to venture further.

What was clear to me the other night when we met was that there are contrasting levels of emotion regarding the risks of this trip. I hope that our organization can weather what will undoubtedly be a major disappointment to some.

My heart aches for the many booster parents and families that will try to recoup any losses. I can assure all of you that while we are not yet certain as to the loss per student, early signs are that the amount of money lost will be minimal because we cancelled at this time. The band boosters will receive a final report from International Tours and Travel and make appropriate decisions as to how much refund will be given each child. The mailing of refund checks and the application of credit to student accounts will be made in a timely manner for students and chaperones. Parent boosters will need to contact International Tours and Travel to receive information about cancellation penalties.

Lastly, please express to Pam Duesenberry, in your own way, your gratitude for her efforts in all that has been associated with this trip. Pam is an amazing women and a great asset to our organization and her work related to the Fiesta Bowl has been incredible. Thank you.

Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions or concerns about this announcement. With regards to refunds a formal announcement will come shortly.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
Mark Beamish

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Tragedy and Triumph; Our Band's Tribute

To my Beloved Band Friends and Family, Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, the terrorist attack on New York City, marks the second day of United States history that will live in infamy. Wednesday, September 12th, 2001, is a day that will forever live on in my heart, and in the memory of the Green Hope Band. There are so many different kinds of people in our band, and sometimes we fight with them, are hurt by them, or especially, love them. Today, we all came together in the midsts of sorrow and terror to mourn the tragedy of New York City and the United States of America.

I will never forget the looks that passed from every band member to another when Mr. Beamish asked if us if we wanted to be true musicians and play... I cannot forget how everyone then sniffled up their tears, scooted to the edges of their chairs, and pulled up their instruments... I will never forget the devastated sobs, the painful sniffling, the passing of tissue boxes, the faces of musicians covered in flowing tears while they choked on notes... I cannot forget how people dropped out to hold their neighbors' hands, to sing, to whisper their "I Love You"s... and then picked up their instruments to continue on... I will never forget the beautiful silence that ascended at the end of American Elegy... I can never forget the rare beauty that we all witnessed today...

Today, all of us became musicians... but more importantly, human... again and together.

With Love, Always, *Aimee Kresica*

Submitted on: 9/12/01

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Yes, GH Has a Band

Some of you probably know by now that I work at a grocery store (Lowes). I overheard a weird conversation the other day, I thought you guys would like to hear. I thought it was sort of strange! These two ladies were checking out, and they saw the can that we have for the band sitting at the register. The first lady said "Green Hope? I thought that was the new school. I didn't think they had a band." The other lady goes "Of course they have a band. I used to hear them out my bedroom window in the mornings last year, but I didn't think they had uniforms. The last time I saw them was the Morrisville Christmas Parade a couple of years ago (she was saying something about how she brought her two cute little kids, etc.), and I don't think they had uniforms." The two shrugged their shoulders, laughed, and left. Part of me wanted to explain everything to these poor ignorant ladies, but the other half of me was tired of dealing with people for 8 hours straight, so I kept my mouth closed and began checking out more people.
I couldn't get that conversation out of my mind for the rest of the night. I thought back to that Morrisville Christmas Parade two years ago, and how we really didn't have uniforms then. Then I remembered our "half-time show" we would do for the JV Football team at the Athens and Apex stadiums, because we didn't have our own stadium. Do you remember what we wore then? Khakis and the first band tee shirt. Wow. I seriously thought about quitting band that year. It all just seemed like some kind of joke. Sure, we all knew Green Hope would have a great band someday, that Green Hope would be "the band to beat" in North Carolina someday, that Green Hope would go to a bowl game someday, etc. But I don't think any of us thought it would be in our time here. I seriously thought the highlight of my high school band career was going to the parade in Disney World. That was a cool trip, and a great performance, especially considering all the obstacles in the way! Last year was totally amazing! It was the greatest feeling at Clinton when we hit the company front and the crowd went absolutely crazy. I can't wait to do that to people again this year. Except this year, it will be twice as nice, because the competition will be twice as hard, and we will have to work a lot harder! If what we did last year wowed people, I can only imagine what type of reaction a show as difficult as Southern Harmony will produce! I know it gets difficult at times, but that's why we've all got to hang in there to enjoy the rewards again. Also, there are so many talented people in this band that are just freshmen or sophomores! It's unbelievable. I can't wait to hear where this band goes in the next year or two. I just know I'll be in college next year, and many years after, and still be hearing about Green Hope. Oh, yeah- if the lady from Lowes is reading this, I'm sure she knows by now that YES, GREEN HOPE HAS A BAND!!!!!

Submitted by: Jessica Dries 9/3/01

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A Surprise Ending

Out of all the performances that we as a group have done, the weirdest would probably have to be the Souther Star Invitational in Georgia. Remember that one? After a many hour bus trip under cramped conditions (I loved every second of it!), we arrived and performed the next day. I remember we were so disappointed at that competition. Even at our infamous company front, the energy just was not there. I forgot the order of events but we somehow made it back to the hotel after seeing a MAJOR band show. I remember being so upset with myself and my performance, that was when the fun started... We were called to the lobby for a pep-talk and Andy Garcia (Drum major) was sitting with his trophy. Then Mr Beamish started talking and another trophy appeared, then another, and another, and another... All I remember from then on is that I actually collapsed onto the chair that was sitting (luckily) behind me. The trophies and awards kept coming until we had 9 awards under our belt from ONE COMPETITION!! Man, I love happy endings! Rock On Falcon Regiment!!!

Submitted by: Jon Hyde 8/22/01

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The Community of the Green Hope High School Band

You know I have to admit, everyday no matter what I may be doing somehow the Green Hope High School band flows through my mind with Some of the best and worst feelings I've ever experienced. A friend told me once that every single person you meet and every single event that takes place in your high school career is going to change you, whether it was a good or bad experience. I can honestly say that so far, that statement is as true as ever. Being in band is one of the most frustrating and aggravating communities I have ever joined, but at the same time, it has given me some of the best memories and the best times that I will never forget. When I was at band camp, or whenever I was at a practice on the field in the blistering heat, I would get so angry that there were days I’d go home and the only thing I could think about was quitting. It was just completely upsetting that no one respected my opinion and no one would listen to me. It was the military with musical instruments. I just couldn't stand it. I honestly can say that I really work hard to be a good marching band member. And believe me, when you're trying your best and the others around you are just giving it half effort, well then, it can seriously work your anger up. But you know, aside from all the negative actions and thoughts I got going home every day from band, I remember I would always put on the first band tape. Youknow, the “Do You Remember?” thing? I’d watch each performance and would physically see the dramatic change of our band from the performance at band camp to the performance at the Brick CapitalClassic. It really was amazing that a first year band could create such a HUGE show, musically and visually. Those performances always made me remember all the good times I had at competitions, and all the bus rides, which I had wished some, would never end. I always thought back to how good it felt to be recognized as a first year band with so many awards. And you know when you think back to the past, you always have to think about the future too. As new people come into this community of musicians to once again put together the best show possible, I will always think back to the success that we received, and then try to duplicate it. Because I’m sure everyone in this band knows that success is a great feeling.

Submitted by: John Tomasevich 8/9/01

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Guidelines

This page will attempt to capture for posterity the history and spirit of the GHHS Bands. It will contain letters, stories, or any other literary medium which will describe the actions, achievements, feelings, etc. of the band or its members. Any band member, staff, parent, and supporter can submit their entries to be published on this page. Topics can be on your practice experiences, bus trips, your love of music, field competitions, etc.

Entries to this page should be sent to the Webmaster for publication. It is expected that all entries will be published, provided that they are well-written, in good taste, and are of general band interest. Entries should have a title, and cannot be anonymous.