For Whom The Bell Tolls

As I pulled into the church parking lot a few weeks ago, this song by Metallica was playing on my car radio. Fitting, as I was arriving to my first bell choir rehearsal. Thus begins yet another musical adventure. We'll be playing at this Sunday's service, and I'm looking forward to it. I'm just glad that they placed me on a base clef part. That helped me get up to speed in a hurry, which was great. 

The Marching Ravens deal is still going great. I missed a game last week, and I was really missing it. I kept looking at my watch, wondering what the band was doing at that moment. I found myself whistling the fight song as the start of the game neared. I was asked to give a little feedback at the rehersal before the game I would miss, as I had to sit out of the drill. It was neat being back on that side of things, even for a day. I got to see a lot of great things going on, and saw the director and drum major's view, which helps put the entire picture together. It was eye opening in a positive way. I personally hope that we can improve as the season goes on. How good can we be? If our performances were being scored, would out scores go up throughout the season? Would it be worth it to have our performances on video to review? Recorded to hear? How many of us would work hard to improve? Personally, I want to be a guy who is a professional representative of the Marching Ravens... Professional in work ethic at rehearsals and during performances, musicianship and teamwork. Most importantly, I just want to be better tomorrow than I am today, and better today than I was yesterday. 

End of the Pre-Season

After two performances, the Marching Ravens are now looking towards the home opener for the regular season on Monday Night, September 10th against Cincinnati. Before we close the books on this pre-season schedule, I wanted to take some time to let you all know about my experiences thus far: what I loved and liked, as well as what I didn’t (that list is short.) 

First: What I loved/liked. I have to say that the group of trombone players I’ve gotten to know so far constitute a really fun group of people to be around. Better yet, they can all play. Musically sound and a hoot to boot. You just can’t beat that. 

Along the same lines, I have enjoyed our musical selections to date, but I wish we had more of an opportunity to play during the game. I know that will come when we play halftime shows starting in September, so I’ll hold off judgement on that one for now. 

Along the not so much lines, there are only two things: Rain and being out of shape. Rain is self explanatory, but foul weather comes with the territory. Concerning being out of shape: It is my personal opinion that being in a marching band constitutes a varsity sport. At my high school, we lettered in band, and for good reason. Look at our game day schedule: Rehearsal, break for food and to change, concert, march and play to stadium, short break, pre-game show (which are just as long as my college halftime shows oh by the way), into the stands. By the time I get to the stadium, I’m already tired, and my right arm feels like rubber. If I play again next year (and by all means, I hope I will be a part of this group for a long time to come!) I will be in better shape when the season rolls around. 

So, why am I doing this? For the games? No. Not really, although the seats are amazing!. Instead, I’m doing this more out of a love of music, a love of marching, and an admiration for the band that I’m playing for. This experience has reminded me of two things. 1) Why I wanted to play trombone in the first place (We get to do all the fun stuff!!!) and 2) why I play music at all. After the last game, we lined up and headed back to Camden Yards to change and ultimately go home. Good performance and the Ravens won too, so it was a great night overall (More Ravens scores mean more playing = Happy T-Bone). I was marching in the very back row of the band on the left corner. As I was going through the Ravens Walk area, a little boy (8 or younger, but over 5 I would guess) came up right in front of me and started walking along side the band. Cute kid, yeah, yeah. Then, he started swinging his arms like he was playing with the drummers. I thought to myself, wow. There it is right there. Maybe this kid wants to play the drums like I wanted to play trombone after seeing the Duke Pep Band at a Duke Basketball game. While I wanted to say something to him to help him avoid such a horrible fate as becoming a drummer (just kidding) I could not help but be in awe of that portion of the work that we do as an organization. We add to the game day experience: Here’s a tune or two or three... Baltimore Ravens let’s go, and move the ball across the line... Yea! We work alongside the cheerleaders, Poe, and even Rise and Conquer to do that. (It was great to see Rise and Conquer at the game last week! Real Ravens at the game! AWESOME!) But we can also inspire others to want to play in a band, to want to learn how to play an instrument, or to sing a fight song. That’s worth it right there. 

Showtime... Or, Ravens VS Detroit... Some thoughts

Before I head out for tonight's performance (with football to follow! What a double header) I just wanted to say thank you to a few folks. I know, I'm marching for a volunteer band, this isn't the Baltimore Symphony or anything, but still, it seems like a big moment to me, and I can't help but feel that some thanks are in order.

I'd like to start where this all started: my desire to be in a pep/marching band came from the Duke University Pep band and from others in Prospect Hill, North Carolina who went before me in the Bartlett Yancey Marching Band. Thanks for butting the inspiration in my life.

Thanks also goes out to my family members: My cousins Mickey, Buddy, and Amanda all marched, and so did my brother, Derek. My proudest moments in high school and for one performance in college was when Derek and I were on the field at the same time. What a moment!

Thank you to everyone in Caswell County and the surrounding areas who have been supporting my musical quests since their beginning in 1990. From the Caswell County Fair and the Bright Leaf Hoedown, to Hillsboro's Hog Days, I've always had people who have been so supportive, wether singing or playing.

To my parents, who have been there every step of the way, thank you seems insufficient. You never batted an eye when I asked you for equipment, you were always there when I played, you helped load and unload the trucks, ran the boosters, and made sure we had a band when we didn't even have a director! To mom: I love you. Thanks for all you've done. To dad: I miss you. I wish you were here to share this moment, but I'm sure you will enjoy it none the less.

Finally, to the love of my life, Patricia. Thank you for understanding. We hardly have any time together, and yet you're willing to sacrifice more of that scarce time to let me play in a marching band at age 30. Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your love. It means the world to me.

Others have been supportive and that support has been the world to me. If I had more time, I could go on for hours. Unfortunately it's time to go. Thank you everyone for your love and support on my musical journey. I can't wait to see where it will go next.

And now... On with the show!

There's A Song In The Air

Okay. I have to admit that I have had the bug for marching band this entire summer, way before I found a way to actually be a part of a marching band again. There was something about the summer heat that made me wish I was at band camp again. Not young again, but specifically at band camp again, specifically marching band camp. There was a certain feel to the air... how I felt... I can't really explain it to you, except to say that it felt like it was time for marching band camp. 

This morning, I felt something different in the air. This morning felt more like an early fall feel, like a September morning. The dew was on the ground, the sun was out, the air was clear and crisp, and this all made me feel a new feeling. It felt like it was time for the marching season to begin. Well, would you look at that... the season starts tomorrow night, and on national television too! 

Seriously though, when I went outside, it felt like it was time for a friday night game. In high school, the early morning was when we would go out for rehearsals. Every morning from what, 9:30-11:10 ish, we would march on the football field in preparation for the game or competition or whatever. We would literally knock the dew off of the field, as it was still there when we arrived. But those mornings were still hot when we were training. Yet, when it came close to the start of football season, it felt more like it did today. I guess you could say, the air was right. 

A Ravens player tweeted the other day that it felt like football weather that morning (be sure to follow my musical tweets: twitter name: tbonesnotes). I'd agree. The anticipation is kicking in now, and the weather tells me it's time to march. I've missed that feeling, and I'm glad it's back. 

Welcome Friends!

I wanted to take a moment to welcome everyone who may be reading this blog for the first time, or have recently discovered my little home on the web. This blog is about my journey in music, a path that began at a Duke Men's Basketball game in 1990, and continues to this day. On this blog, I will share my thoughts on music, specifically concerning my adventures playing my trombone, which I named Thunderbone II, the Tigershark. Both of the trombones I have played have been named Thunderbone, which I got from NASCAR. Ford's entry into NASCAR at the time was the Thunderbird, and for short tracks and road courses, they would shorten the name to T-Bird. Thus, I took the T part and made it my own for my horns, and Thunderbone or T-Bone was born.

Feel free to read my older blog entires, as they track a course from 2007 until now, revealing my thoughts as I pursued a career in music, music education, and the like. I don't have a real definitive answer as to why I stopped those career paths, but I have been attending seminary and exploring a possible call to ministry, which followed the the stoppage. Where I will go from here is uncertain. After all, it is a journey in music, not a known destination. I'm unable to continue my theological studies at this time, so my latest entires will focus on my latest musical chapter, Baltimore's Marching Ravens. Be sure to check back often as I will be describing my experiences playing for the Baltimore Ravens and their 70,000+ fans. I'm going to play for them this season and sort out where God is calling me in the mean time. I believe no matter where God is calling me, I will always have music and musical stories to share, and I hope you enjoy reading them.

My first trombone, Thunderbone I, was a student model King 606. I kept that horn through the beginning of college and used it in a back up role during both high school and college. We bought the horn from a family friend in the community, as their son was no longer affiliated with the bands there. I remember how excited I was to bring the horn home and start playing right away. I assembled the horn, put in the mouth piece, and started to try and learn how to play. Within minutes, my mom could recognize what I was trying to play... Can't Turn You Lose, the song the Duke Men's Basketball team comes out of the tunnel to. My love affair with the trombone was off and running. It's hard to believe that was 18 years ago.

Reflecting on those days, my friend Michel and I would remain connected through high school in various capacities. In band, we usually sat right beside each other. If I ever lost first chair, it was to him, then we'd flip flop back after a short time. He was the Commanding Officer in NJROTC our senior year, and I was his Executive Officer. I remember us sitting down to warm ups at Dillard Junior High School before band class. He and I usually started by trying to jam to Rock Around the Clock, where I would play the melody, and he would take a solo. Others would try to join in, and that was about the time when Mr. Heller would be forced to stop the jam party and begin class. Michel is doing well these days, working in the US Congress for Former Speaker Pelosi's office. I'll have to see if he still has his old horn around sometime. 

Music in the NFL

The time has come folks. On Friday, I will hit the field with Baltimore's Marching Ravens. So far, this has been a wonderful journey, and I look forward to playing on Friday night in front of a usually sold out house at M&T Bank Stadium. It will be pre-season for me as well, as I knock off 10 years worth of Marching Band rust in preparation for the regular NFL season. I'm beginning to get a little anxious. I had a dream last night that I left something at home and had to go back to get it. When I returned to the stadium, I wasn't allowed to play because the band was already on the field.

The Raven's pre-season started in Atlanta last week. I will try to keep this about the music and not about the game, so I will offer no comments about the actual performance by either the Falcons or the Ravens. Instead, I wanted to call your attention to a new trend in the NFL... Drum Lines. I found out before the game that Atlanta has a drum line. Not a full band, but a drum line with about twenty percussionists. I first became aware of NFL drum lines a few years ago when I learned about the Jacksonville D-Line. It turns out that my hometown Carolina Panthers have a drum line as well, known as the Purrrcussion. What an interesting concept, but I'd like to see more. Here's why: Music and Arts programs in the school systems are in trouble. Budget planners are being forced to cut funding for the arts across the board. Think Mr. Holland's Opus. Schools are being pressured to perform in areas targeted by end of grade tests and No Child Left Behind performance standards. I'm not arguing against improving our education systems... far from it. I am arguing for programs which enrich the standard curriculum to be given more help and support. Money is necessary, of course. We need to fund the arts. We also, however, need to support the arts. Having a volunteer marching band perform at NFL games, like in Baltimore or in Washington, allow people to continue to perform in an arena which is exciting and has a large following. When I say I play in a marching band, people don't care so much. That is, until I mention that I play Baltimore's Marching Ravens. Then the questions begin: "You mean the Baltimore Ravens? You play for them?" "You play for that band that wouldn't die?" "Do you play at Raven's home games?" "Man, I should get out my old clarinet/trombone/tuba/sax/drum sticks and play too." That last line is the point... "I should play too." never mind if it's with the Ravens, the Redskins, or with a few friends in the community like a church or a civic group. Keep the music alive! NFL teams: bring marching bands to your games. Create your own bands and let them play to create an excitement in your towns for music. But... Indy... Uh... good luck finding a name for your band. The Colts Band is taken!

A final note. If you see me at half time of the Raven's first regular season game, look to my left, your right. The gentleman playing next to me works for NASA. He spends his Wednesday evenings and game days playing his trombone for the Marching Ravens, just like me. Except, there is one difference: His son also plays the trombone, and he plays a few spots down from him in the same band. How neat is that? Family time with music. It can be like my Dad and his banjo, where we all listen to him as he plays, or it can come like the father to my left and his son, three spots down. Shared memories and wonderful music. That's why the arts are important. 

First Impressions

Well, this past week, I have taken a band photo, rehearsed at M&T Bank Stadium, and performed with the Marching Ravens for the first time at the Howard County Fair. I am having a blast so far, and can't wait till my first game.

I'm finding myself caught between wanting to be very musically sound, and just trying to catch up to everyone else. I'm sure that I'll be ready when the regular season starts. Just need to knock off the rust this pre-season. It all starts next Friday when the Ravens host the Detroit Lions. I cant wait!  

Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Dwight Calvin Watson Jr

Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Dwight Calvin Watson Jr

Ok folks. This is a run through to see if I can record my own music and post it on my blog. Let me know if you're able to hear it. It's not my most polished work, just a test piece.

Introducing... THE MARCHING RAVENS!!!

So... I passed my audition, and now am a Trombone Player with Baltimore's Marching Ravens! I feel that this is a really great opportunity to play and have fun at the same time. My first rehearsal started as soon as the audition was over, and I had a great time. My first performance with the band will be Sunday, August 5th at the Howard County Fair in Maryland. My first football game at M&T Bank Stadium will be on Friday, August 17th as the Ravens take on the Detroit Lions. I can't wait to get this marching season going! Look for me on TV!

I also have to say that I think it's really neat that I will be able to march in a marching band in high school, college, and the NFL. I would have never thought that back when I first picked up my trombone in 1994. Of course, the Ravens were the Cleveland Browns in 1994, and I had not heard of the Baltimore Colts Band, the forerunner to today's Marching Ravens, so I had no way of knowing that this would one day be a reality. Learn about the Baltimore Colts Band and it's history by checking out the ESPN 30 for 30 series episode entitled "The Band That Wouldn't Die."I downloaded a copy from iTunes, and watching that documentary led me to want to be a part of this organization's history. The band also has an exhibit in the Baltimore Sports Legends at Camden Yards Museum, which includes all of the band's uniforms from the first bands to the current day.

I'll be sure to keep you up to date on all these wonderful adventures. Check back the week after each Raven's home game to see how things are going. And as always, thanks for checking in!

The Shark is BACK!

Wow! It's been a long time since I have blogged. My life has changed quite a bit, and my music has well... sort of died off. However, I have found my way back into my blog, and, back into music. So... here's the latest.

Tomorrow I will be auditioning for a Marching Band. That's right; 11 years after marching with the Fire of the Carolinas, I'm crazy enough to try it again. If I make it, I'll give you the full details!

Another note: I have finally been able to visit the music store where we purchased Thunderbone II at: Bill's Music! What a music store. Probably the largest I have ever seen... and with tons of used trombones and other wind instruments. The story here is that we ordered the instrument sight unseen from a store in Baltimore, Maryland in 1996 at the suggestion of my second cousin, Pam, who still lives in the Charm City. At any rate, I found the store the other week, and I have to say it was a little sweet to finally see that place.

However, TBII won't be coming with me on this audition. The band has a sponsorship which includes all brass and percussion instruments. I just need to bring my mouthpiece and my music stand. Like I said, I;ll give you all the details after the event occurs!