The Northridge High School band selected the theme World Tour '08 for their 2008 marching band season. Ok, I was never in band - played the viola and the piano not exactly marching instruments. So when Emily decided to try out for color guard last spring, I was thrilled for her - how brave to try something new. I was less convinced how this would all work out. First, there is the hassle of the new school (which is great ) but all their guard supplies are still stored at the middle school making logistics a little tricky! We were ever told the band would no longer be able to march at the football games. What a bummer! Fortunately this idea didn't last too long as they have already performed for the first two home games. After Fridays game, we picked Emily up and were anxious to tell her what a great job they had done - they had added their second song since their first performance - imagine our surprise as she was crying in the car because the NHS student section was making fun of them and telling them to just go home! It is so sad that a few careless words can cause so much hurt. I couldn't help but remember the new sign I read upon entering the football field about treating the other team with respect - what about their own classmates?
The next day the band had their first competition at Goshen high School and what a difference a day makes. The weather was kind and held off during their time on the field and it was so energizing for them to be surrounded by other talented schools who appreciate what they are doing. And that's when I started thinking about appreciation - we all work hard in whatever we do and it can really hurt when people let us down and that's when I was reminded that we aren't to be concerned with what the world thinks - only what God thinks. I'd like to think God is very proud of their character and I pray He gives Emily and the other band members the courage to do the right thing - despite how they are treated.
