This week, Tim and I set off to cover the ISSMA Class A & C Southern Regional shows in Terre Haute. These were a couple shows we were REALLY looking forward to so we were excited about about the trip.

This was a big weekend so choosing the proper music was absolutely essential to set the tone of the trip. Tim and I knew that there was only one CD that could "hype up our faces" - Fillabusta: Live at Red Rocks. For a brief period in 1995, the three most recent presidents of the United States (at that time) got together and formed a rap trio. Ronald "Mac Daddy" Reagan, George "G Money" Bush, and Bill "Smoove B" Clinton were large and in charge! Fillabusta had Red Rocks hoppin' with def tunes like: "Homey in da White House," "Air Force One Be My Hooptie," and "Gangsta Congress." By the time we listened to the whole album, we felt like we were back in da hood. That CD was DOPE!!

Soon we were at the show and were on the track shooting photos of bands. As always we were greeted with open arms by the ISSMA officials.

Things are tough all over nowadays and finding money to support instrumental music programs is getting more and more difficult. Some band booster organizations have gotten really innovative in their approach to raising cash for their programs. The folks at Beech Grove recently inked a deal with Nike to "test drive" their new line of athletic shoes called ‘Air Citrus.’ The shoes not only look really cool, but they also have a built-in deodorizer that makes your feet smell lemony fresh!

OK, I’ll admit it. I secretly wanted SI to be the official photographers for ISSMA, despite the fact that Tim and I have no talent and use low quality equipment. When I heard the announcement at the show that Bateman Photography is now the official ISSMA photo vendor, I knew my dream was over. I started to sob uncontrollably and had to run to the port-o-potty to compose myself. What a horrible week! First indianamarching.com goes down and then we get passed over as official photographers!!! When will the madness end?! It looks like I picked a bad week to stop taking Prozac.

After I had a good cry, I got myself back together and finished shooting the show without incident.

The Class A Regional was at Terre Haute North, so Tim and I headed to the show. Once we got there, we got set up and started shooting.

A few of the seven loyal visitors to the SI web site really like the photos we take. Some even send in requests for us to shoot particular groups or people. We try to remember to get all of the shots that people request, but sometimes we can’t for one reason or another. In this photo, Castle band parent Chuck Cougill gently reminds me that I owe him some photos of Castle’s baritones.

Over the past few years, props have progressed from simple platforms and backdrops to enormous structures that resemble oil derricks and walls that are as big as drive-in movie screens. If that were not enough, some bands have started to move the walls to the front sideline. That became painfully apparent when Avon took the field at the regional show. I really need to start bringing my stepladder to contests.

What a weekend, and a season! As some of you already know, Tim and I are going to sit out the state finals show and leave it to the professionals. We do plan to cover at least a couple winter guard/winter percussion shows in early 2004, so be prepared to see what happens on those trips. I am sure it will be something bizarre. See ya in a few months!