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So, this is the infamous "blog" I have been hearing so much about. Well, it doesn't seem too hard, although I do have a slight fear that, after I finish writing what I want to write, that I'll loose all this before it being sent or saved, or whatever this does. Maybe if you still have a slower computer you can feel my concern, that small part of your brain asking "when was the last time I saved this?" Ok, enough of that.
Please forgive any standards that are supposed to be lived up to in writing a blog, I've never kept a diary, and I have never really been one to write alot. On the other hand, my wife is a brilliant writer and I hope to give her some pride in that her many hours of college, and beyond, help, proof reading, and rewrites will make my writing just a bit more comprehensible.
So, I feel it most fitting, being a band director, and a resident of Indiana, to begin this blog with the Bands of America Grand National Marching Band Championships that began early today in Indianapolis. First, although today was only my third time in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, I am still very excited about our city's latest treasure. Talk about big. Even before the stadium did officially open this past summer, this wonderful venue has been very active in the news and on the public's mind. With Drum Corps International (DCI) being unable to host the first event at the new stadium and relocated to Bloomington, Indiana, the Colt's begin with a losing streek, and many complaints about the acoustics from a country concert in September, this place already had a lot going on.
Let's touch on acoustics for a second. Lucas Oil Stadium, in my most intellectual assumption, was designed not only as the new home of the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, but also as a multipurpose venue that will add to the attraction and excitement of the city of Indianapolis. Marian College, soon to be Marian University, is also undergoing final phases of designs for a new expansion to the music building on campus. In being so fortunate to be involved throughout the design process, we have realized the purpose for this facility and also understand how it must operate in a logistical manner. This new large facility will not only act as a large ensemble rehearsal hall, practice rooms, and reception area, but it must also function as a place where we can also host other events on campus. It must also function is well in the future, as we plan for further expansion of the music building into the Marian University music complex. Will it be 100% perfect to meet EVERYONE'S needs? No. Will it be well designed to, first and foremost, serve the needs of it's students? Yes. Will there be a carefully thought out effort to accomodate every possible use for the facility? In the most sensible way. Now, with all this in mind, what do you expect the acoustics to a multi-hundred million dollar facility, to host over 60,000 screaming fans, over 70,000 fans for the 2012 Super Bowl, a retractable roof, and lots of very open spaces, to sound like? La Scala? The Met? Carnegie Hall? Perhaps more like a football stadium. That is not to say all the money that I am sure was spent on this facility for sound puposes was done in vain, but I do hope that people do their best to enjoy this magnificent facility. I believe it was Revelli who so eleoquently stated that "from the 50 yeard line to the concert hall, there should be no difference". I haven't heard anyt die-hard band parents or directors complain about the acoustics of this building yet. Just a thought.
Moving on. I do want to touch a bit about BOA Grand Nationals. First, congratulations to all of the bands that have performed so far. I know there are veteran bands and those that are only there for their first or second time but, as you well know, the effort and dedication it takes to perform at this event is great. You have worked extremely hard throughout the season, enjoy this time and continue to push yourself to be the best you have ever been.
Organizations such as BOA (Music For All), DCI, Percussive Aets Society, Music Crossroads, and more are such a gift to life. It's not only fantastic for the city of Indianapolis to have these wonderful organizations, but it's great that there are those that still care about the arts. Now, this is not the point in the conversation where I'm going to ask you for a donation to save the drumsticks, but I ask you to consider what your life might be without the influence of music. Most people make the mistake of considering "music", when talking about THE ARTS, as classical or musical theatre or musak, but they neglect to realize that their most played playlists on their ipod is still music. Would your life be impacted without music? These organizations are not providing the music, but even better, creating opportunities for us, as music lovers of all kinds, to further explore the potential of music. Our students, our children, our colleagues, all are unveiling new experiences of life and self through these organizations. Now, these organizations are not perfect, but they are a huge step in the right direction in creating more and more awareness of music and greater opportunities for young people to further explore the opportunities through music. Whether they go on one day to be music educators or performers, I strongly believe that these experiences will constantly guide them through life in the most fundamental ways.
Well, enough thoughts for one evening. I hope to do this again soon. Don't forget to stop by the Marian College booth at BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis. You can easily find us with the mob of students trying to see who has the fastest hands trying to win Marian prizes. Before I leave, if you are interested in continuing your musical endeavors as a music major, minor, or non-music major, you can do so and receive scholarships. You can study with world class faculty in a conservatory setting and get a degree with a great Catholic university. Marian College very well might be the perfect school for you. Check out www.marian.edu/bands for more information about auditioning or contacting my office.
Come on computer, do your thing, save! or send! or share! or blast off!
Good night.
-Angel Velez
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