The Last Dance – LaGrange High School

D ecember 15, 2016

Band-directing days, were done. At least, that’s what I thought. Moved, into administration. New battles, to be fought.

Like a mermaid’s, siren call. A marching band, reached out. At first, I did resist the urge. Was firm. With little doubt.

But this, was something special. LaGrange Band. History. Great tradition. A storied past. Connected, deep with me.

Band, without a director. Just days, before school year. I walked, into a rehearsal. What I saw, did bring tears.

Parents and students, trying. But things, not going well. I knew right then. What I must do. Their fears, I chose to quell.

A show, had not been written. No music, was rehearsed. We’d start from scratch. And make it work. For new approach, I searched.

I reached back, into Golden Age, of bands, and bugle corps. Designed, unique presentation. If done well, high, we’d score.

Were weeks behind, other bands. But just, kept moving on. Each day, each week, we made up ground. With show-design, and songs.

Old problems, to be addressed. Discipline, was restored. Once that was done. Things did speed up. On Friday nights, we soared.

At first, marching festival. Our ratings, were straight “1’s.” We outscored, our biggest rivals. But knew, more could be done.

Next week, LaGrange Festival. A very special day. The twenty-fifth, anniversary. Blue skies. No wind. Sun rays.

Marching bands. Record number. Upheld, great tradition. An outstanding, competition. We, did exhibition.

As sun set. Stands were packed. Calling out, the ratings. I looked up. And saw the stars. Found, a deeper meaning.

Finished the season. Last game. Then, final festival. Again, we earned superiors. All “1’s” to end the Fall.

In retrospect, I do wonder. How all this, came to be. Was not foreseen. It was not planned. At least, was not by me.

Perhaps it was, a higher power. Who gave me, one more chance. Be the person, was meant to be. A beautiful, last dance.

LaGrange High School Band 1995