A Day in the Life Photo 402

 I tired to think of subjects that would really be interesting to capture for a project like this. Recently, I have become friends with the drum major of the blue band. I actually started talking to Ian outside of band and during his shows as part of the band "Public Domain" which plays songs at Cafe 210 every Thursday. He recently joined the band and I've been going to their shows every week for months now since my roommate is the singer. Ian is the 'new guy' and I thought he would be a really interesting spotlight to show the difference between performance mode for a University staple and something he does on his own. The first set of photos are Ian at rehearsal preparing for an upcoming field show. 

This is the typical beginning for the rehearsals of a new Blue Band show. The whole band gathers together to watch an animation on the screens of the drill that they will be putting together for the week. The next home show is going to be a collection of Sinatra pieces. Ian watches as the drill unfolds. 

In these rehearsals, Ian really doesn't have too much to do since he mostly conducts the music and makes sure the tempo is on track. He stays in one place, where the band is always moving. So in these practices he mostly watches from the tower. 

The tower is actually a brand new addition to the practice field. The director, Dr. Bundy gets to take the highest view, but from where Ian stands, it is a pretty decent view of the formations. 

Since this is just a practice in finding all of the right spots for the band members, the instruments stay on the sidelines. 

From a great height, Ian really has a great view of what is going on down on the field. He always follows along closely with the drill. 

  I talked with Ian a bit while he was overseeing the operations and one tool that never leaves his side is the baton. When he is down on the field, he is always twirling or tossing it. It is given to him traditionally by the Lion at every game after he completes his second flip. 

At rehearsal, Ian commands over 300 students and there is a very strict attitude in his behavior. He can definitely laugh and have fun, but all of these kids need to look up to him. I can definitely attest to his seriousness regarding Blue Band and most of all, the flip. The other side of him I wanted to portray was the fun that comes out when he plays the bass at his other band's shows. There is definitely a different side to him at these shows.