Journeys of a Band Member

By: Mayumi Takanashi

Author's Notes: This is the true story of my journey to U of A Band Day. The THS Marching Band traveled through treacherous desert for two hours from Phoenix, AZ to Tucson. This is my story.
Saturday, November 6, 2004

7:47 am: Just left school. Now driving down freeway on three buses. Many people very chatty. Excitement is evident.

8:05 am: Not as much tension. Started conversation with clarinetist Anishi. Now we are talking with Tanokai, clarinetist. All on paper.

8:26 am: Started to roleplay with Tanokai and Anishi, but Anishi feels motion sick. Bus is quiet. Very few voices speak.

8:45 am: Still roleplaying with Tanokai while listening to Linkin Park. Mr. Matteson, director, has been reading music magazine off and on. Had to get up and yell at us for screaming while others slept. Now is lying against the seat.

8:54 am: Saw road a while back called Sundust Blvd. Getting ideas from the name. Surprised at sudden change of scenery. Barren desert becomes a short stretch of forest. Changes back and forth as we drive.

9:02 am: Now entered a mountain region. To the right are strange rock formations. Are fun to look at. Roleplaying still. Lo-san, clarinetist, tells me it is Picacho Peak State Park.

9:09 am: Just passed an ostrich farm.

9:15 am: Went by cotton field. Bus getting talkative again.

9:23 am: Band getting restless. Nick, drummer, asked Mr. Matteson to do something to the air conditioning. Slightly colder. Still roleplaying.

9:26 am: Passed through dust cloud. Enjoying the gray skies much.

9:36 am: Can clearly see downtown Tucson. Almost at the end of our journey to U of A.

9:41 am: Just finished roleplaying. Flagline is fighting over makeup, and Nick was relieved to find Mr. Matteson had brought his hat for him, but also received responsibility speech. Must put on uniforms now.

1:52 pm: Just got back to bus. Got an "Excellent" score. Waiting on board to go home.

5:25 pm: Got back to school a while ago. Put hat box and uniform away and got picked up by Mom. Went to Arby's and went home.