It’s Not Me, It’s Him, Right?

Thanks, Matt. Thanks a lot.

The picture on the left (or top, depending on your browser width) is me from a 1989 step show (I believe vs. Illinois, I’m the bass drum on the right) during the song Temptation. The picture on the right (or bottom)  is me during this year’s (2007) homecoming, also during Temptation. Every year I wonder if this is going to be the last year I do this. It’s a pretty unnatural act to take a bass drum and hold it head high in rhythm. It’s also one thing to do it at 19, and another to keep trying to do it at 37. I was in much pain during the whole day and for the next day as well.

I had pretty much decided after rehearsal this year to get through this one, and call it a nice ride. I wasn’t going to give up doing Alumni Band anymore, but I was not going to do anything showy in the future, just play the music without the visuals. I would have to take the loss of not getting filmed (notice the guy below me on the picture to the right) and accepting the aging thing and use equipment that is easier on the body.

Then Matt, the person I share my football tickets, apparently took pictures, like the one on the right/bottom. And I have to admit, it looks pretty cool. At least I have a year to think about it. I’ll let you know by October 4, 2008.