Hearts Rebounding Thrill
Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 11:48PM Band rehearsal warm-ups this afternoon began as they never have in the past four months. Assistant Director Jon Waters raised his baton and said: "Last three notes of 'Carmen Ohio.'"
This was a fairly major Integrity Kick Moment because, you see, it actually needed to be rehearsed, for it is actually going to be played on Saturday. As of 48 hours ago, it was not. Partially in thanks to you, that is no longer the case, and the song which is an installment of the pre-game ritual shall remain.
"Sing."
Occasionally the directors ask the Band to lower their instruments and sing their parts so as to emphasize tonality, breath control, timing, and harmony. And they become a choir. And this too is beautiful music, bar on bar, voice on voice.
"Now play."
I hear the same songs a lot. I am never tired of them, because I know that soon I won't ever hear them again... out of tinny computer speakers, maybe, or on a CD, but never again live from this specific group of people. But the repetitions I hear are nothing when measured against those who create them. When I return to my little temporary hole in the wall to type and grade, the bandsmen drag their instruments out of the rehearsal room and down the hall or up the stairs to practice what they just practiced, until eleven, midnight, one AM.
No, I am not tired of these songs.
With the exception of performances of "Eternal Father," when the Band sings in rehearsal, it does so with a whole lotta "ba ba baaaaa"s and "da da daaaaa"s, even when the song has lyrics. These are, after all, instructional moments for an instrumental band, not Glow Bowling Night Karaoke.
But today, everyone sang the lyrics.
Everyone sang the lyrics.
I did not attend or graduate from Ohio State, and so out of respect for actual students and alums, I avoid singing along to "Carmen", except twice: Once towards the end of this Summer Session when Greg Eyer saw me hanging back from the swaying groups of students and pulled me into the circle. And again this afternoon.
"Carmen Ohio," as Ohio State's alma mater, is the most solemn of the school songs in the Band's repertoire. Even before I heard the music, I knew the words; earlier this year, I tipped my head back as I walked through the lobby of Ohio Union to read the lyrics painted near the ceiling: "Summer's heat or winter's cold.... The seasons pass the years will roll..."
It was a sunny day in February; I was stripping off my gloves and on my way through the atrium to make the acquaintance of this Jason Stuckert person.
Since then, Miss Carmen has run off with increasingly larger pieces of my heart for other reasons. Maybe, simply through endless repetition in dorm rooms and on the field and in the rehearsal room, members of the Band do grow weary of the same sets of notes, the meaning of the song breaking through only on days like today and games like tomorrow's, the last home stand of the season. And I understand how that might happen. Repetition in small does breeds tradition and comfort; in larger ones, it's a recipe for frustration and boredom.
But on this afternoon, when everyone sang, it brought relief.
Today's Tasting Room Musical Note is sponsored by a repetition:
Reader Comments (16)
That's great news, Tink.
Congratulations OSUMB!
Well now what am I supposed to do with all these pitchforks and torches?
"It was a sunny day in February; I was stripping off my gloves and on my way through the atrium to make the acquaintance of this Jason Stuckert person."
...If you only knew....!
_...If you only knew....! _
Honestly? Somehow.... I did.
As a member of this university and a member of this marching band, I encourage you to sing along whenever we play Carmen. It is not just for the people who attended Ohio State, but instead for all the people who share in our ideals and our traditions. And of course, you have become part of our family.
Both this post and the one about Ramp...they're two of my favorites. You've finally put into words what describes (most of) my emotions for Carmen, for Ramp, for Script...for all of it. For my pride of being a Buckeye. So thankful to have you around this season!
That absolutely means the world to me, you two. You have no idea. It has been nothing but an honor to watch your excellence every single day. Thank you so much.
Rock on, TBDBITL.
Band, we are so honored to have you in here. Have a terrific game.
It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming our new twirling overlord....
Mary Beth I can't really think of the words to say what I feel so I will just say... thank you.
TBDBITL you truly are the best.
So thankful to have you around this season!
We are thankful for your dedication and wonderful music.
"As a member of this university and a member of this marching band, I encourage you to sing along whenever we play Carmen. It is not just for the people who attended Ohio State, but instead for all the people who share in our ideals and our traditions. And of course, you have become part of our family."
Very well stated; there is a reason I chose it for my name here.
Mary Beth, I very much consider you part of the "family" as well.
What a beautiful statement on what is going to be a beautiful moment. Wish I could be there.
You keep kickin' ass, TBDBITL.