Friday night's football game weighed heavily on everyone's mind Saturday morning. Not the score but the rains. The skies held the promise of a typical northwest fall day. Maybe sun, maybe rain, but definitely cool. The practice field was most unwelcoming with its rain-laden turf and muddy backfield quickly quashing any hopes of a full run-through for the band. The morning was spent doing sectionals and practicing music. A chance to sharpen the sound and flatten any bumps in the music ending with a re-affirmation of the goals set so long ago in band camp. Goals to be a better musician. A better section. A better band. A better team. Roadies scrambled about getting trailers and trucks loaded with instruments and props. Doug and Kim making last minute preparations for another BBQ at Kamp Kamiak. Dave playing 21st century homesteader making sure we had enough space for all our equipment. Bill and Mary wrangling 115 high-schoolers into those luxurious yellow chariots.
Things were frazzled in the early afternoon. Buses heading to the wrong parking lot, traffic hassles delaying arrivals and some unfortunate equipment failures all conspiring to halt the Knight's campaign. But it was for naught. At 2:05 the stadium was filled with the cheers of our Kamiak parents. Even from the ramp so far across the field we heard the clapping, we heard the cheers and words of encouragement from parents, siblings and alumni.
After pictures and announcement of finals placements, it was time for our traditional competition schedule combined late lunch/early dinner break. Graduated parents brought food and memories to share with an increasing number of rookie parents. Once again we were all treated to Doug's culinary artistry. Many of the band members took advantage of the fare, while others were more interested in securing their peppermint hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte from the ever available Starbucks.
Finals approached far too quickly as young hands were warmed by Doug & Kim's thoughtfully prepared "handwarmers for 200" table. It was time again for Kamiak to step up and show everyone what "Show band" really means. Yet another fantastic performance by the band garnered awards for "Best Drum Major", "Best Percussion" and a strong 2nd place behind our long-time rival Mead High School. Though we did not repeat our Sweepstakes win at Tumwater, our band came home proud. Proud of what they had accomplished, proud of their effort, and proud of the support shown them by friends, family and competitors alike. Thanks parents for your support, be it in the stands, on the field or behind the scenes. And thank you kids for making us proud of you for all your hard work, perseverance and dedication!
GO KNIGHTS!!!!
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