Brian: The Other Award

If there was an award for the longest 5 days of sleep deprivation and mediocre meals, we would be taking 1st.

[Brian Hasstedt is a mellophone player and has a quirky sense of humor. I asked him to write a blog entry with a twist!

After our Monday evening formal dinner, Brian was called upon to get the members of the Visual Ensemble smiling for their photo shoot. He performed a bit too brilliantly and had the young ladies squirming and laughing in tears by strutting around, imitating a British chicken squawking 'Allo Gubnah'.

He may have slept through the dinners because most people thought they were very good ;^)]

Rachelle: United we Stand.

It's my senior year, and I must say it has been like a dream. Our band has achieved unbelievable things this year from taking the State Championship title to being selected for the Inaugural Parade, to getting record numbers of students into Nortern League Honor Band and All-State. And what is the secret to our success? Our band stands united, and everyone is focused on a common goal and the vision of excellence and pride laid out by the directors and staff. Our band can do anything, overcome any obstacle, and reach any height because despite our differences, we stand together. We're in this together and I take comfort in knowing that 100 or so band members, staff, directors and parents all have my back. And not only do we have each other, but we have the community of Windsor supporting us. We are immeasurably grateful; we couldn't have made it to Washington DC without our town.

So I was asked to write this blog not only to reflect on the year a little but also on the banquet we had the night before the Inaugural Parade. We all dressed up tht night and everyone looked abosolutely beautiful. We enjoyed an amazing gourmet chicken dinner, and we all just spent the evening relaxing and reveling in comradery. That night we also voted on different awards, one of which I received (section leader). I'm honored, and I'd expecially like to thank my section of saxophones: BJ, Christian, Neal, Alex, Michael, Joel, Connor, Geoff, and Anna. You guys are an absolutely fantastic group of individuals. I appreciate you so much.

To the whole band staff: I love you all, I have you in my heart, and it has been an honor.

[Rachelle was not only voted "Exemplary Section Leader" by the saxaphone players but also received the Director's Award by Matt Drase and Melissa Claeys for her accomplishments and contributions to the band in general. In her junior year, she also was a drum major.]

Geoffrey: A Great Experience

The parade experience for me was great. I loved the support we got from the crowd, Windsor people and strangers alike. It was also amazing we got to march in the parade for the first African-American President. It was a great time. I got to see a lot of neat sights and enjoy DC. It was great that we pulled together as a band and pulled this off.

[Geoffrey plays the alto sax and has been inspired to try out for section leader next year. In the photo, he shares a laugh with snare drummer, Sarah Elens.]

Larissa: Freaking Fantastic

Being a senior, this whole season has just been freaking fantastic. Looking back to my freshman year, I would have never seen myself where I am now. Especially with the DC trip. It was the most amazing experience I have ever experienced ... yeah. Anyway, I'd like to thank the community and everyone who supported us. I know we wouldn't have done what we did without you. I'd also like to let my fellow band members know that I love all of you so much. You all helped make my senior year as awesome as it was. I think of you all as family. Also, Drase and Claeys, I love you two. You are such a good team. I would follow you both into battle (or battle of the bands ... ha ha ha.) I'll miss everyone, but don't worry I will come back and visit.

Larissa Saxton

[Larissa plays the mellophone. During her junior year, she also was a drum major. She has a hysterical sense of humor and her friends used to call her 'Bob'.]

Wendy: Sweet Toppings

I never thought Pennsylvania Ave would be closed off for me, a small town, big dreams girl. This was the extra sugar sprinkles on top of the frosting of the 7-layered cake of my senior year. It was amazing to travel with my favorite people to one of my favorite places.

Back in May when the tornado hit, my mind had not the imagination to fathom this year. We had all our winning competitions and then we won the state championship, a feat in itself! Who needed Washington? Obviously, they needed us ;^).

I just want to thank my amazing community along with all of the parents, directors, and donations that made this once in a lifetime opportunity possible. Without you guys, our chances would be unobtainable.

I love you all! Wendy Jones.

[Wendy is a senior and captain of the Visual Ensemble. Her leadership, positive spirit and winning smile will be missed.]

Daniel: CBS Early Show

Hi, this is Daniel Kelly

It was cool to be in front of the capitol. this is a picture of me at attention when we were on CBS Early Show . It was really awesome because there could have been a man in china watching me/us then. It was major uber coolness

Inauguaration evening

Jan 20 approximately 8 PM. (This is the third of three blogs about inauguration day. To read in order scroll down to "Inauguration Morning".)

After the long but wonderful day, we loaded onto the busses and went to the Kennedy Center For Performing Arts where we ate at the cafeteria. There was an observation deck which wrapped around the outside of the building so we could go outside for a nice cold view.

This is Mrs Kacmarsky with three of the eight students for whom she was responsible. The are (from left to right) Vince R, AH, and Daniel K.

After dinner we went back to hotel, packed up the uniforms and instruments and loaded up the truck. Everyone went right to bed. We have a 5 AM wake up call and we leave the hotel at 6 AM for our flight out of Baltimore......we are axpected to arrive at DIA around noon wednesday.