Friends; Blue Devils

Mom is perfectly happy in Anna, and this is how I can tell:
The residents and staff in Anna are becoming her friends.

She and I watched the Blue Devils rehearse on Friday night. Upon returning to Anna, at 10:00 PM, Mom regaled the available residents and staff with tales of the outstanding Blue Devils' sound, and of the outstanding young man who is her grandson. I could tell she was extra interested in telling her tale to this particular group, as the people in this group are becoming her friends. They were appropriately impressed with the Blue Devils, and with Jake. Mom glowed.

Above are three of Jake's great friends: Jenny, Anthony, and Jordan. They drove almost an hour to watch Jake's rehearsal on Wed. night. They are soon driving to San Antonio, to hang out with Jake on his Sunday off day. Jenny plays flute(All District). She is going to Texas Women's University, to major in Fashion Merchandising. Anthony plays trumpet(All Region), was a Drum Major, and is going to Ithaca College on a music scholarship. He wants to be a journalist. Jordan plays Saxaphone(5A All State), was a Drum Major, and is going to some niche college I can't remember, on a music scholarship. The college is in the east. Jordan wants to play professionally, for a career. He is immensely talented.

Wed night: Blue Devils' rehearse, as dusk approaches. I like this b/c it shows the crowd of instruments on the sideline. 75 people sat in the stands during this rehearsal, and about 40 of them appeared to be high school or junior high band students. The remaining crowd was evenly split between band directors and families/friends.

The Blue Devils are the Yankees of DCI, having won an unprecendented 11 championships. In this season's competitions, which have each included from 6 to 12 competitors, the Blue Devils are undefeated. They own 22 consecutive first place finishes.

Blue Devils regroup for another run through. Jake is on the 34 yard line, in gray shorts.

Notice the backpacks and water jugs on the track. Blue Devils individuals drink through their personal jugs of water, then refill their jugs from giant water coolers, which are provided. Repeat as needed. It was probably 95 degrees when this pic was taken, approx. 8:30 pm. They typically practice about 9 - 10 hours/day.

In the above picture, which was taken during a break, you can see the flag corps loves to throw their flags in the air. They toss them, and toss them, and toss them, at every available opportunity. They must read each night's wind, and adjust their flag handling accordingly. The Blue Devils have a Japanese guy, who speaks very little English, who is supposedly the World Champion at individual flag handling/throwing/et al. Universities now give scholarships to Flag Corps members. Whodathunkit?

Thus, after lunch: Blue Devils practice in 102 degree heat - which is 120+ degree heat on the artificial turf. Jake is leading the far right group towards a midfield position between the hash marks. You can see the back of his shoulders, as he strides towards the 46 yard line.

Godfather theme: This religious cross will soon morph into a dagger. Jake is in the dead center of the crossed planks - but cannot be seen. Too dense.