Yesterday marked the successful completion of another year of band camp. Entering the week, I was very curious as to the band that I was going to be working with this year. Whenever you graduate such a large percentage of the previous years group, you enter the new year thinking almost like Forrest Gump; "You never know what you're gonna get". I decided early on that the goal for this year was personal accountability for successes and failures. The past week only reaffirmed my stance that I teach the best kids that Springport has to offer. When focused, this year's band rehearses better than any group I've worked with and shows a desire to improve upon previous successes. I must give special kudos to the freshmen class, as I was so impressed with the level of quality that they brought every day. This isn't really a surprise to me since I have known them for three years now, but to rise above expectations always deserves a note of congratulations. I must also congratulate and give thanks to the leadership core of students that have taken on increased responsibility this year. I am trying some new ways of delegating responsibility, some that haven't been possible in years past, and this group of leaders has risen to the challenge. I am confident that the attitudes we have set forth in these past 5 days will continue with us for the duration of the school year and help to firmly reestablish our reputation as the epitome of hard work and success in Springport. Bandos rock!