7/28/14
Today completed the first full day of DMA here at UMass. For those of ya'll who don't know, DMA stands for Drum Major Academy. Drum Majors are the guys and gals who stand up in front of the marching band and help to keep them in time, help motivate them, help at rehearsals etc. This place is a camp where these High-school students come and learn the things necessary for becoming a good Drum Major.
This is the part where you're going all saying " WAIT! You're way beyond high-school!"A major thought repeatedly running through my own head as well. How'd I end up here? Well, it's a good story.
It all started with a friend who had attended during high-school, and me thinking it sounded like a cool place to volunteer to work. Well, on the application, you needed a recommendation letter from your current band director ( mine just HAPPENED to be one of the staff members of the GNP drum major academy). After chatting with her, she suggested that I attend as a student before trying to work there, as she felt it would be more useful to attend as a student before volunteering. I was like " But, I'm VERY in college, are you sure this is cool?" She repeatedly assured me it would be perfectly ok to go as a collegiate and that I would have a wonderful time.
So, anyway, sunday AM, I threw my stuff in the car and head up to UMASS $530 poorer and with the worst chest cold (ok, bronchitis) I've had in many moons. The whole drive up there I questioned my genius idea. I kept thinking " I'm 27 years old and I'm gonna be dorming with like a 15 or 16 year old who probably has a better clue of what is going on than i do. I got my room assignment, a nice single with no other roommate. I was torn between ecstasy and frustration. Ecstasy at not needing to share a room and an introverts nightmare of having to make small talk, while being sad that i wouldn't have at least that one person i'd know. We split up into squads that night and i LOVE my squad and squad captain. She also happens to be a twin and she is also the tomboy of the pair just like me. Basically, a perfect set up!
Last night we ended our session with a John Denver tune and my heart started to warm to the thing that is DMA. The warmth faded briefly with an 11pm fire drill, but it wasn't gone for long.
7/29/14
Today was certainly more intense as even before breakfast, mother nature was throwing world series style curve balls. Rain, thunder, lightening, hello morning! The day continued, the rain came, the sun came, the thunder came, but tonight we got to practice a lot of footwork and military style maneuvering ( which happens to be the sugar fix for this band geek). Before the end of the night, we had a meet up in the auditorium. I had gotten there at the end of the line, but not wanting to miss anything in the back, I went to sit in the empty section of chairs up front where no one else was sitting. I didn't care, I wanted to see and hear it all. Anyway, Heidi, the speaker/director was like " what are you doing over here all by yourself?" She then tried to find me a more inclusive seat but we settled on my current seat being good. The next thing i know a group of the IMPACT team ( college volunteers) all came up and sat with me. I was a little embarrassed, but then realized what a kind and selfless gesture it was! This beautiful gesture was followed by a short film about a kid named Bill who was a student years ago, a student who put my own attention to detail and procedure to shame. Come to find out, Bill was blind and couldn't see a thing he was doing, but he was ALL in. It was a real sock in the gut for me because here i was complaining I was too old, or I had bronchitis, or it was hot, and here is Bill, who loved it all and fought twice as hard as i'll ever have to fight for success here. Tomorrow will be a new day and I will not let it pass by wasted. From this moment right before our 11pm lights out forward, I will aim for 110% of my best, because why bother with less than all the ability you have?
" One more day when time is running out for everyone
Like a breath I knew would come, I reach for a new day.
Hope is my Philosophy
Just needs days in which to be
LOVE OF LIFE MEANS HOPE FOR ME
Born on a NEW DAY"
Tonight's closing song/thought. The King Singers " You are the New Day"
7/30/14
Today we wrapped p the last full day at DMA. I really don't know where to start here.
We started the day with Dr. Tim and boy what a way to start!! The man was incredible and really gave me a lot to think about in regards to meeting people, first impressions, and being a leader. After dinner, we played some march off games and headed inside. OH BOY! Let's just say there was a 400 person conga line going around the auditorium.
Heard some stories and thought about who I want to be. The analogy used was Santa. Yes, Claus. Basically saying you go through stages in life 1) believing in Santa 2) not believing in Santa 3) being Santa, and 4) letting someone else be Santa for you. I really want to be santa for someone! What a wonderful gift , to be able to fill someone's heart with that kind of belief! It is a true priviledge.
There is just so much more I want to say, but it's light's out and tomorrow truly comes too soon!
With Pride!
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It was an absolutely incredible 5 days that I will never forget. I learned things about myself this week that will impact my life for the better for a long time. I know i've learned things about myself and about leadership that will certainly help me be a stronger, more supportive section leader than last year, and I'm looking forward to an incredible senior year with the CCSU Blue Devils Marching Band.
This is Squad 1. My completely AWESOME Squad! l-r Rocky, Me, Jessica our Squad captain, kevin, Nathan, and Andre
Here we have the CCSU Crew at DMA plus the director at DMA
l-r Back row: Trevor, Dylan, John Leonard, Me, Kate C, Rob Hammerton, Matt
l-r Front: Heidi Sarver, Dr. Reynolds and Staluppi!
I will never forget this week for as long as I live, and I look forward to the day when I can send my future band Drum Majors and Section Leaders to DMA. It really is a life changing experience.
Together. In. Out.Back.Frozen. Up. WITH PRIDE!
Eyes With Pride!
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