Horning in.

Ryan competed in his first solo and ensemble contest Saturday. We band parents got to listen to the brass ensemble warm up, and when it was time for their performance, we were able to sit in the room with them. The group sounded wonderful (especially the trumpets), and it was nice to hear the judge's comments afterward.

It was my first band contest to attend as a parent but far from my first to attend. As all those middle schoolers warmed up in the cafeteria, the cacophony reminded me of countless all-region tryouts and S&E contests. It was bizarre to think it'd been 23 years since I'd been in this oh-so-familiar environment!

For the record, Ryan's ensemble received a Division I!