My Camera Ordeal

Memorial Day parade ... our son, who is a member of his school's marching band, played solo with his electric guitar. I positioned myself in front so I could have a better view since I want to take a video with my digital camera ... and so I thought; until after the parade when I tried to view the video, and I saw nothing! ... the screen is blank!? What the heck ....!? I realized then my mistake, I did not push the "record" button. duh! Well then ok ... not the end of the world. I will still have another chance. Luckily, they are participating in a marching band competition the following weekend.

And so, that weekend hubby and I started early, over 2 hours early to be exact! We brought folding chairs and positioned ourselves across from the judging stage. When the parade started, I video-taped the first marching band because I thought I should have a beginning and end with our son's marching band. When it was their turn to march, I stood up and positioned myself in front of a telephone pole just so I was not blocking anyone's view. Cool, I got the best spot. The winterguards performed, the band performed, then they all started to step aside in a semi-circle and in the middle is our son ... he is going to play his solo now ... then... my camera went blank! !@%$^&*&#@ ... again, another, what the h ....?! the memory card is full!!! ... and this time since it is a competition, he played with his electric guitar behind his back! Even 'ma and 'pa were surprised; we did not expect him to play that way. The spectators were applauding! And I did not get it on video! :( I brought 2 other memory cards with me but by the time I was able to put a new one, his performance was over. Lucky for us again, they have one more competition remaining in two weeks. We did not have a plan to go because it is over a one hour drive, and we are not familiar with the area but I've got to have his solo on video and at this time, I was really so mad at myself for video taping the first band which was a little bit too long since they were the town host's marching band!

So yesterday, Saturday, hubby and I drove to this place. We drove around and around in circle looking for a place to park. We found one and it was a long walk to the judging area; I felt so bad for my hubby because he just had knee surgery the last week of April, but I got to capture our son's solo! :) Most parents are so proud of their kids accomplishments and it so happens that I am one of them. And so, below is finally his solo. BUT, I was a little disappointed because his band director suggested that he play with his guitar in front; the director thinks it will sound better that way. We thought the sound is not as important as the showmanship but ... he is after all the director. Our son still received applause but not as "noisy" as the first competition. On our way home, he told us that for next year, he was given the responsibility to pick what they are going to play. And so, if you have any songs that impressed you, we welcome your suggestions. This year they played Beatles' songs.

So, my good friends, presenting to you our son's solo, it is not professionally done but still a keepsake and special ... for us anyway.