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November 21, 2005
Grand Nationals Picture Redux
I'm not going to give a blow-by-blow of each band because frankly, I didn't get to see too many. It was just the way our schedule worked out (or didn't). So instead, I'm going to show you what I saw, through the pictures I took. Yes, it's probably not what you would normally see unless you've been in a band at Grand Nationals. It kind of gives you an inside look at Finals from the field. So without further ado, I give you the Grand Nationals Picture Redux...
The Owasso Drumline warming up for their QuarterFinals performance. I think it's about 8AM Friday morning.
The Owasso snareline
Extreme close-up during music warm-up
In the RCA Dome airlock waiting to go onto the field
The factory outside the airlock after the performance. Does anyone know what they do there? I've always wondered...
While walking outside the conference side of the facility, a police-escorted file of tanks came rumbling through downtown. They gave out peace signs and saluted as they went by.
When they say you're at a "hotel by the airport" they're not kidding! This is the view out our window.
We had some downtime in our "borrowed" room (more on that later) and got a chance to really clean the drums and polish the cymbals.
Going back over the cymbal logos after three coats of polish
Owasso in Physical Warm-up before Finals
Backfield shot of Owasso marching onto the field for their Finals performance. Man, what a crowd!
Backfield shot of Finals Retreat. RCC's drumline is playing to my right and throwing down some nice licks.
The drumline at the front of the band for Retreat
Again....man, look at that crowd!!!
The drum majors during the awards ceremony
We happen to be standing next to the Carmel staff at the front of the field and I took a picture when they announced them as the winners. Notice Mike McIntosh (Bluecoats Percussion Caption Head) with his head against the wall. I know this was a long time coming for them and a lot of pent up emotions were finally able to come out. Congrats to them and their students.
The Owasso Drumline after Retreat; what a stellar group of young people. I couldn't ask to work with a finer ensemble.
After announcing that the field was Carmel's, the bass drums headed for the airlock.
Loading up the buses outside the conference hall. A little unexpected rain was coming down, but it didn't dampen our spirits.
A close-up of the Grand National Finalist medal. That thing is heavy for its size!
Again, I am proud of the Owasso kids and all of their hard effort this season. They worked efficiently at every practice and never took their eyes off the goal. Congrats to them and every other band member that participated in the 2005 BOA Grand Nationals.
As a side note, I would like to thank some people and companies for their support and kindness: special thanks to Yamaha for their support, extra tickets, and listening to us concerning hardware and offering solutions, and thanks goes to Mark Wessels and the Vic Firth team for the coverage and product support (sticks and mallets). I would also like to thank our new friends at Jackson Academy HS who let us borrow their gigantic room at the conference center. This thing was a massive exhibit hall about a football field wide and three football fields long, plus it had a loading dock and direct access to the warm-up locations. They were kind enough to let us use their space as a staging area before Semis and through Finals - we really appreciate your kindness!
Posted by Ryan on November 21, 2005 09:53 PM
