We Are #1

            We FINALLY did it! The 2015 Happiness Incorporated Combo got best band! The competition we went to was in Bloomington, Minnesota. It was four hours away and apparently we showed everyone up there what it’s like to compete in Iowa. I’m so glad I could be a part of the best band at this competition.

            The funny part is, we had more mistakes and aspects of the music that we didn’t execute as well as we have in the past. Apparently it was played well enough to beat out other bands, which still surprises me. For this performance we must have had better dynamics and musical aspects that were better than the execution of other bands. Listening to several different show choirs, there were definitely bands who were so tight with the group and played every note crisp. The only difference between us and them is that we had better dynamics or we blended better than the others.

            There was one band that I was sure was going to get the best band. It was from some ‘W’ school that I can’t remember the name of nor recall where they are from. But their band executed every note and were confident in all areas (which we lack sometimes, not always, but sometimes). They were so tight and together but the only thing I can think of that separated us from them is the blending and dynamics factor. In this area, I know we are really good. We are the perfect size so we can play loud and still not cover up the choir. If we were any bigger, or had any bigger sound, we might cover up the choir and their amazing tone which is something we don’t want to do. We have a pretty dang big sound as it is right now anyway. But it fits us, it fits the choir. We jam really well with each other.

            I’m not sure what the judges were looking for but we must have shown them the right thing. We were also the first group to go in the varsity division. So we must have just set the bar too high and the other bands couldn't get on our level. That is pretty impressive; if we can set the bar for people, imagine what it will be like when the others are surrounded by us, we are unstoppable.

            I am proud to say that I am part of an award winning combo and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this season has to hold. And Gramps, that one was for you! Thanks for giving me the ability and courage to bring Happiness to everyone.  

Best Band Award Bloomington 2015