Band camp can change your life!

It was the summer of 1988. I had tried out and been selected to be the Assistant Drum Major in my high school band. At that point my knowledge of band directing was pretty much making sure I didn't forget deodorant because my arms were going to be flapping around...ALOT!

In a freak panic, I found myself atop the Head drum major's podium. Front and Center...in charge! If you must know the head drum major had started her period and had to run back to the dorm to "take care of business." as it were.

The band director was a large man who yelled most of the time and pretty much always had this vein on the side of his head that looked like it was going to explode. He screamed to me to do something that I had no clue what he was asking me to do and when I did not respond his rage was turned full force on me. Little old me. High atop a podium...by myself.

The director proceeded to bring the entire band...aka. my peers to attention so that they would be able to better witness my humiliation. I stood firmly at attention while his explosion of my stupidity and inability went on for about what seemed like 10 minutes! The assistant director just so happened to be at my feet and gently placed her hand on my foot to calm me. He then very sarcastically explained what it was he wanted me to do and I performed the said task.

This little tale is blazened in my memory. I can remember the weather. I can remember who was there. I can even remember which song we were about to play. At the time I was humiliated. Felt incompetant. Felt like everyone hated me. Hind sight told me that my peers were impressed that I could take that sort of humiliation without bursting into tears and how they were so glad it hadn't happened to them. Hind sight also taught me that because I stood there and took my harsh instruction without crying or running away it caused the band director to have a better respect for me.

Life is hard. There are going to be days where you feel like you can't go on and all you want to do is cry. Don't! If you made a mistake accept the responsibility and fix it. Don't blame it on someone else even if it is someone else's fault. Don't pass the buck. You will be better respected for the fact that you are the go to person when there is an issue. Remain calm and take it like a man!

Again with the phrases that I don't understand the meaning.

Have a fabulous day!