What a show tonight (all 2 1/2 hours of it)! The RBSMS Jazz/Advanced Band teamed up with the Zephyrhills High Symphonic/Jazz/Percussion bands at the Wesley Chapel HS Performing Arts Center. It is amazing the level of talent that these kids possess. I have paid a lot of money for concerts of lesser length and quality.

As soon as I get time next week, I will post some video so you can hear how good these kids are…

Just heard from Tommy who is on his way back from Universal Studios. The Stewart Middle School Band was crowned Grand National Champions today placing 1st in Intermediate, Jazz and Advanced competition at the Dynamic Music Festival.

Congratulations to all the hard work of the band kids and Mr. Leahy!!!

One happy band kid holding the first place trophy.

For the second day in a row, the Stewart Middle School Band scored straight superiors at band competition. Today, it was Tommy and the intermediate band’s turn to shine.

Congratulations to all the kids on their hard work!!

Congratulations go out to the Stewart Middle School Advanced Band for receiving straight superiors at band competition today. Not that superiors are exactly a surprise because these kids are so good.

Tomorrow is the Intermediate band’s turn to impress the judges…No pressure!!

Last night was the spring concert that included the advanced, intermediate and jazz bands of Stewart Middle School. All the kids have progressed really well this year and are playing some pretty challenging music. The concert was a nice prep for competition later this week in which both the advanced and intermediate bands are participating. The bands will be judged on two songs and another using sightreading where the band gets 5 minutes to figure out how to play a piece of music they have never seen before. Advanced band will be playing grade 3 and 4 pieces while they are only required to play a 1 and 2. Intermediate also challenged themselves by choosing grade 1 and 2 pieces.

Below is video of songs by each band…enjoy!!!

RBSMS Advanced Band Performs at Spring Concert from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

RBSMS Intermediate Band Performs at Spring Concert from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

RBSMS Jazz Band Performs at Spring Concert from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

Today is Zephyrhills’ 100th anniversary which started out with a 5K fun run put on by the local YMCA. Since the marathon two weeks ago, my training has kind of stunk so I had no idea what would happen this morning (plus, I am planning a half-marathon next week). My original plan was to start slow with a 6:05-10 first mile, but my friend Robbie was there so it “accidentally” turned into a race at the start. Now Robbie is a bit faster than I am (sub-18 minute 5Ks), so I should have just let him go and stick to my plan. What’s the fun in that!! We ran together for the first 3/4 mile before he started to pull away a bit and I tucked in behind to try to hang on. Robbie gained more ground in the 2nd mile as my ITs started to bother me a bit. We both faded some in the third mile with Robbie finishing in 18:06 (I think), and me finishing 18:38. Next up is the Gulf Beaches Halfathon at Fort Desoto Park. I will see how the legs feel before I commit to the half or just run the 5K instead.

Robbie and I waiting for the race to start.

And they're off, all whopping 75 of them!

Darn it all!! I mean, good run Robbie!!!

Here comes the Bride's Maid!

After the run, it was time to take Tommy to the middle school for him to get ready for the big Founder’s Day Parade which lasted for over two hours! Stewart placed 2nd in the band competition. Pine View Middle School deservedly took first.

Stewart Middle School Band. Look, there's Tommy's girlfriend holding the flag on the right.

There's our sax playing band kid!

Stewart Middle School at Pasco County Fair Parade from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

Stewart Middle School Band at Pasco County Fair

Tommy at Pasco County Fair Parade

Saturday was Tommy’s big all-county band performance. The band is made up of the best Middle School band students in the county. The kids did an awesome job playing five songs during a half-hour concert. We are so proud of Tommy for what he has accomplished with the band in such a short time!!

Tommy getting ready for the performance.

Pasco All-County Band-”Quintus” from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

Pasco All-County Band – Music of “Cars” from Neil Clements on Vimeo.