While in Kansas City, I also got to catch up with some old friends, such as Eric and Jay (see below). These are two of the people I miss most about Kansas City – dishing on everything with Eric at breakfast on Saturday mornings at Toto’s, and dishing all the Sprint gossip with Jay. Also, I met up with the old Kansas City Sprint team just in time to attend the “retirement” party for some of folks that were leaving in a voluntary workforce reduction. Poor Sprint… I hear more layoffs are on the horizon.
Upon my return, I had to get ready for the DCDD concert. This concert was a big more involved than our normal concerts due to the fact that Scott, the band’s leader for the previous 10 years, had decided to step aside. The concert was also the event where I was officially named the new Marching Band director for DCDD. With Scott’s departure, the board decided to split the duties of the Artistic Director into a director for Concert Band and one for Marching Band. Little did I know then what trouble lay before me (and yes, Matt Swearman, I’m talking about you!).
Since I was going to be announced during the concert, I went out and bought a new tuxedo for the event. Because I had no clue what to get or where to go, I dragged my good friend Shawn with me. After some half-hearted looking elsewhere, we decided to go with a basic tux from Nordstrom. Throw in buttons, cufflinks, a new shirt, cummerbund and bow tie (that you have to tie yourself), I dropped way too much money – but I look damn good in it! However, it is a bit embarrassing when I had to get daddy-Blake to help me tie it.
In early May, I traveled to Portland, Oregon for the LGBA Board of Director’s Mid-Year meeting. It was a very intense experience and some personality clashes erupted, but it was good to see some of my favorite people and spend some quality time with them. While in Portland, we made a visit up the Columbia River to the falls about 30 miles east of town. I’ve been out there many times, but I loved seeing others enjoy the beauty of the Cascades.
Immediately upon returning from Portland (literally, within hours) we had our first rehearsal of the DCDD Marching Band. I think everyone (including myself) was surprised at the turnout. From what I’m told, it was the largest turnout in many years. Rehearsals continued Monday nights through the end of July and I think my friendships within the band really grew as a result of the activity.
Also in May, I traveled to North Carolina to visit Jinx and Cory and to participate in the North Carolina Pride Band concert. This was the first time I was under the baton of Chris Hankins, the new director there, and could not have been more impressed in her professionalism, kindness to the musicians and organizational skills. Additionally, Kristen Stinnett did a great job as assistant conductor. I’m very happy at the way that band is coming together. And I was even more pleased to spend some quality time with Jinx, Cory, Lisa and Eddie.
June began with the Marching Band getting ready for Capitol Pride 2008. With guests and Band Aides, we marched nearly 40 at the event on Saturday. Even though it rained on our parade, I think everyone had a wonderful time. Then on Sunday we performed at the Arts Stage to great applause. Afterward, we hung out for a while and listened to DC Swing! Play and Lisa Marie and I even shook our tail feathers for a bit.
The rest of June was really devoted to Drum Corps as we got ready for the summer season. More on that in Part III of the 2008 Year in Review!
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