One Year Anniversary... Thank you Thunder!

One year ago today I was on a plane to Spokane, Washington to be the replacement drum major for the Thunder Drum & Bugle Corps. For those who don't know the story, here is an explanation of what happened.

Last summer I was not planning on marching corps due to the fact the 09 season was such a rough one for me. I didn't want anything to do with it. So in 2010, I was not going to march... or so I thought. I first received a phone call from my old director at Capital Sound, Marc Gofstein. He asked what my plans were for the summer. After I told him I was just going to be working, he said to expect a phone call from Bill. Bill Clark was the old brass instructor at Capital Sound.

No later than 5 minutes talking to Marc, I got the call. I knew something had to be up, but I did not know what exactly. Bill informed me that the drum major at Thunder needed emergency surgery and they needed a replacement drum major. They could of taken someone from the corps to fill the spot, but the corps was already small in size and it would of only hurt them.

After talking to Bill and also the corps director, Bill Harvey, and the assistant corps director, James Laymen, we figured out what was going to happen. The next morning... REAL early, I was on my way to Chicago to catch my flight. I went from Chicago to Salt Lake City and then caught my connection to Spokane. I was so nervous because I did not know what to expect. I barely ate anything all day and by the time I got to Washington it was late. I felt sick to my stomach. I did not know what to expect, if it was going to be the same as my previous year doing corps, etc. Nothing felt better getting out of the car at the school and people rushing out to meet me.

The first person to say anything to me was Michael aka McLovin. I love this kid and he is like the brother I will never have. I remember it clearly. He said, "Are you our new drum major?" I said yes and then he ran to me and gave me a hug. I knew I was going to be in good hands and that this summer was going to be amazing. (Ya, I bet you don't remember that Michael, do you!)

And yes, the three week tour was amazing.It was pretty hard leaving this group. Everyone says that at the end of the season, but for me, I will more than likely never see these guys again. Unless they march a different group and I bump into them that way. All I know is that I had one of the best experiences in my life and the memories I had will always be in my mind. So on this one year anniversary, I want to give a giant thanks to you Thunder DBC! You brought my passion fro drum corps back to where it once was. I wish you guys a great season as your first show is tomorrow.

It Gets Better!

The majority of us has heard the of the "It Gets Better Project". I pulled this directly from their website... 

"Growing up isn’t easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, leading them to feel like they have nowhere to turn. This is especially true for LGBT kids and teens, who often hide their sexuality for fear of bullying. Without other openly gay adults and mentors in their lives, they can't imagine what their future may hold. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted — even tortured — simply for being themselves. 

Justin Aaberg. Billy Lucas. Cody Barker. Asher Brown. Seth Walsh. Raymond Chase. Tyler Clementi. They were tragic examples of youth who could not believe that it does actually get better.

While many of these teens couldn’t see a positive future for themselves, we can. The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better."

Last night I was searching some stuff on YouTube and I found this video of The Columbus Kids Choir and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. Take a minute to watch this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7EcsFK1s8&feature=share It just struck me. It made me happy to see that such a beautiful song can mean so much. It makes me feel that there is a better and brighter hope for everyone. That one day it won't matter who you are and who you love.

I also pulled this from the It Gets Better website. "Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them." I ask you, what can you do to make the life better for someone? Even if it is not for someone dealing with their sexuality. What can you do to make a difference? Maybe someone is dealing with a loss in their family, a break up or they are just down. I ask you, what will you do to make a difference in this world? 

Everyone... IT GETS BETTER! No matter your situation, there will be someone there for you to talk to and get through it!

Top 10... Places I Want To Work At

So it has been a while since I had the chance to write something on here. I have been super busy with interning, teaching the guard and job searching... which ended with success. I ended up getting a job at Hollister. I am super pumped that I start that.

On top of it all, there is a DCI event in theaters tomorrow night and then this Friday there is a show at Ball State! So I get a double dose of corps this week. Hopefully I don't get too emotional with it all. However, I get to see a bunch of my corps friends and seeing them perform their hearts out will make things worth it.

Yet, none of those topics is the reason why I am writing this blog. For the past week in a half I have been researching and looking up places I want to work at after I graduate. My dream is to work for a college or university doing internal communications, work with the athletic department helping out with campaigns and other tid bits or even working with the recruiting office trying to get the best of the best to apply.

I have a bunch of cities on my list... Seattle to Miami, Boston to San Diego and tons other cities. It can't be too early to start looking and researching about these different schools, along with researching the background of the city the school is located in to know what one is the best one to start at right after school. Things such as: cost of living, available job market if things fall through, social life, etc.

So here are my top 10 schools/cities I want to move to and work for.

#10. Boston University












#9. University of San Diego

#8. Northwestern University

#7. Old Dominion













#6. University of Tampa















#5. University of Utah

#4. UNC Charlotte

#3. Drexel University

#2. George Mason University

#1.Towson University

And of course this is all subject to change after I get more in depth with my search. Schools may switch around, stay the same, they might go off the list as new ones come on, etc. However, these are the ones I am looking into the most and lets see what comes of it.

Update: Internship, Work Out, Teaching

So I just wanted to write on here my progress of the summer so far.

First, we have my internship. The first week went great. I have designed so much in the time I have been there than I have in any class. I love it though. I get to write the body copy and design stuff. It is a great combo! It is even better when you get to see your work published. One of my works, an ad about our new exhibit, has been in the newspaper from Wednesday til today. Great feeling. I also have been doing other things such as updating the Adopt-a-Car program. I am still working on mailing people to renew their stuff and I will finish that the beginning next week. Overall, the internship is gonna be a good one.

Next, we have my work out regiment that I have been going at for about a week in a half now. I am seeing slight progress, which is making me excited because it has only been a short time and I have the rest of the summer. The areas I have been seeing the most progress is in my shoulders and abs. I am finally getting back the abs that I had when I was with the Madison Scouts. Hopefully I can get them to look better than what they were when I was with them.

Finally, we have me helping out the John Glenn band. I am excited for this! Not only am I able to help teach the guard, but I also helping them develop their show and hopefully take them up to the next level. We are revamping how they do things and being more demanding. I see them doing extremely well, but that is me just being over optimistic. I guess this is a good substitute than marching corps this summer... Ok, well maybe.