Welcome to another fun-filled installment of The Contest Journal.
Tim and I decided to mix it up a little this year and start the season by going to the North Harrison Invitational in Ramsey, Indiana. Usually we stay close to home early in the season, but we heard that stadium at North Harrison was recently remodeled and we wanted to get an early season peek at some of the bands in the eastern part of the SI coverage area.
Since it was a bit of a drive for us, we had to make sure that we had plenty of music to play in the stereo on the way to the show. Choosing the proper music not only provides a "soundtrack" for the road trip, but it also sets the mood for the day. What puts Tim and I in the mood for traveling the highways and byways of Indiana? That's right! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Live at Red Rocks. You kids can have your Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Michael Bolton, but as far as Tim and I are concerned it doesn't get any more intense than having 360 LDS Church members wage an all out assault on your ears for 90 minutes. The album ROCKS!!!
When we got to the show, we decided to take a look around and familiarize ourselves with the surroundings. As advertised, the stadium at North Harrison was sporting a makeover. It had a new press box and a zoysia grass field. Tim and I were concerned that the contest would have an adverse affect on the grass because (as any football coach will tell you) marching bands routinely destroy football fields. All of that stomping and grinding make quick work of the delicate blades or grass, which is in sharp contrast to the gentle caresses of the cleats worn by football teams. Tim and I decided to do what we could to offset the cost that the school would be out to re-sod the field after the bands ruined it.
Often people look at the big lens that I shoot at band contests and say: "Man, that lens is huge!" "How big is it?" It is a 300mm f/2.8 lens, which is a pretty standard piece of equipment for sports and outdoor photographers. Since I am a bit of a jokester, I have decided to start giving the lens size in terms that make it sound even bigger. Check out my 3 billion angstrom lens!!
At noon every Saturday in Ramsey the severe weather sirens are tested. An announcement was made to the audience to prepare for the siren. I didn't hear the message because I went back to my car to get some sunscreen, which I discovered that I forgot pack. Anyway, when I got back to the stadium, the siren went off and I fell to the ground and started to pray: "Take me, God, but please don't let my cameras get wet!"
After the show at North Harrison, Tim and I had to shoot back across southern Indiana to Mt. Vernon to for the evening show.
Like North Harrison, Mt. Vernon's stadium was partially remodeled during the off season. The track at Mt. Vernon was resurfaced. It became apparent very early that the folks at Mt. Vernon were protective of their new running surface. Tim and I were asked to remove our shoes before we walked out onto the track so we wouldn't bruise the delicate asphalt.
During a break in the show, we grabbed a bite to eat. Tim and I thought the folks at Mt. Vernon must really like us because they sold us hamburgers at 50% off! Later we learned that the 50% off referred to the size of the sandwich. The price was still the same.
All in all it was a great day! It was the kind of day that marching band junkies like Tim and I live for. We got to meet some old friends and make some new ones too! And as an added feature, we both got really sunburned. Now my shiny bald head has a warm, red glow to it!
See ya next week!
