Drumming up a special Christmas memory

by Darryl Wilkinson

One of the Christmas surprises I enjoyed most was the annual Gallatin R-5 band concert. Simply put: the best in years!

It was unusual. There was logic in the seating arrangement, placing the audience on one side of the gym with seating for the different performing groups already in position. There were fewer words and more music, and the words spoken were meaningful.

Director Gene Edwards made it a point to salute young musicians willing to switch instruments during the school year thus far, in an effort to achieve musical balance. Whenever one makes a change for the good of the many, it is noteworthy and should be commended. Changes are being made in every age grouping.

But what obviously set this performance apart from others was the opening performance by Gallatin’s Drum Line. Outstanding!

I made a mistake in not taking our video camera. We decided against lugging the video camera to the Christmas concert this year — the only year in memory when a video of the Christmas band concert was really essential to capture the entire performance. You could just feel the enthusiasm rise in the crowd as the Drum Line performed. And the dance routine by the Flag Corps added to the festive spirit.

Mr. Edwards made what sounded like a New Year’s resolution in front of the large gathering. He vowed Gallatin’s return to prominence among high school music programs in Northwest Missouri. I know he’s disappointed that enrollment numbers are down, but it’s apparent that a huge step toward a significant turnaround has already been taken.

This is easy for me to say and much harder for those involved to do. But I would like to suggest that Gallatin tap the Drum Line for halftime performances at some of the upcoming basketball games. It would showcase some outstanding talent and could prove to be a very useful recruiting tool as Mr. Edwards attempts to build interest in our instrumental music program. No doubt we would impress our visitors and guests.

There may be scheduling circumstances and a hundred other reasons why this idea won’t work out. But for an old geezer like me, I want more of whatever puts a little pep in my step …and I can’t wait for next marching season!

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I am a sound sleeper. Literally. Unfortunately.

This past week when our extended family reunited for Christmas, about 11 of us wound up in sleeping bags scattered across the floor. And, once again, I found myself listening to unfavorable reports about my headquarters during the breakfast following. I may not know how to stop snoring, but I will share with you what I have learned:

Sleep and the world sleeps with you; snore and you sleep alone.

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We’re lucky to have friends who include us as they celebrate their wedding anniversary tonight on New Year’s Eve. Who needs highballs? Dinner and a few good rounds of 10- point pitch saves me from getting a eyeball hangover from watching too many college football bowl games. And I can’t think of any better way to kick off the New Year than with such friends.

Best Wishes to you and yours for a Happy New Year!