Adventures In Marching Band

Last night the whole family packed up and went to the Berkner High School football game.  Our first of the season!  We didn't much go for the football -we went to see our Sam march in the halftime show.  I couldn't tell you one thing that happened in the game.  I was too busy watching my 15 year old hangin' out in the stands playing french horn, dancing and cheering away - completely in his element.  
The best part is that for quite some time he was totally unaware of our presence, so I got to catch a secret little glimpse into his world.  It is very clear from the broad smile on his face that this is what he loves to do.  He is my music lover - music is his life.  He eats, breathes and sleeps music (classical, rap, hard rock, old school - it doesn't matter).  Apparently a career in music or education is in his future, and we are so blessed to have him under the mentorship of a terrific band director.  
You'll have to bear with me as I brag a little (OK, a LOT).  Sam recently auditioned for the Lone Star Winds Youth Orchestra - a very prestigious group that is NOT easy to get into.  For weeks prior, he practiced, and practiced (waking us up at midnight listening to him playing french horn, but that's another story).  He even put on dress clothes and the dreaded tie to "dress to impress".  After the audition, he would only speak in single word sentences in the car.  He was devastated and just KNEW that he had blown it.  Would never be in the Lone Star Winds Orchestra.  Would never get a college scholarship.  Would never amount to anything.  (Did I mention he can sometimes be dramatic?).  He came home, tossed his dress clothes in a heap, crawled into bed, turned out the lights and literally stuck his head under the covers.
After a short nap, we recommended he invite a few friends over to get his mind off of it.  "It's not the end of the world", "We're proud of you just for putting yourself out there and trying", we told him.  Nope, he didn't want to hear any of that.  He just knew that (as he so eloquently put it) he "sucked." 
Four hours later we all went to bed, save Sam and his buddies.  Around 10:30, Sam came in to say that he'd checked his email and there was a message from LSWO offering him a much-coveted position in their ensemble.  Well, lo & behold, I guess he doesn't suck!