band graduation

Band-o-Rama (aka Band Graduation) was originally supposed to be on March 11 (tsunami day).  But the school was closed and all activities cancelled.  So it was rescheduled to April 6.

Usually they start off with the Elementary School band, followed by Middle School, then High School.  But due to the change in schedule, the Elementary Band could not participate.  But that made it a slightly earlier evening, which was nice since it was a Wednesday night rather than a Friday.

The Symphonic Band played a piece called "One Thousand Cranes" which was beautifully done.  The students (and some parents) folded 1,001 cranes and formed them into a picture of the band helmet.  It was a great tie-in to the band's trip to Japan last year.

Some talented senior parents put together the platform that the seniors were introduced on during the senior recognition portion of the program.  It had elements from all four of their field shows during their high school band career:

• Orange "gate" in middle represented the "Gates" show in their freshman year
• Brown-framed panel with animal painting represented their "Africa" show from their sophomore year
• Black-framed color-splotched panel was used in their "Rhapsody" show during their junior year
• Blue ramp was used in their "Seasons of Love" show in their senior year

When I told Ryan I wanted a photo of him with his contrabass, he balked but then took it out so I could get a pic.  This one with his co-section leader Shane came out so cute.

I put together a poster of their field show shirt designs and group shots, then rolled them up like diplomas for him to give out (instead of candy/cookie leis).  Hopefully the kids liked them.  Used green paper of course since it's their class color.







And here's the band class of 2011!

Lots of great memories:  Pasadena Rose Parade trip, Maui trip (with return on the SuperFerry), Japan trip, "sweep" of all the AAA awards at the Mililani Bandfest!  Band has been a great experience for him and for us as well.  We've made a lot of good friends.

Ryan's still planning to help the band after graduation - a special project with the band directors, Band Camp, maybe being part of the band junior staff while they prepare for field shows.  And it's contributed to what he wants to pursue at UH - music education.