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I’ve uploaded pictures documenting the entire WGI trip.
Here’s the link: Aimachi WGI - 2008
These pictures tell the story of an amazing trip which concluded in a powerful and unforgettable performance. One I’ll never forget.
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22Apr
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21Apr
After an exhausting week of rehearsal and traveling and adventure, Aimachi captured the bronze medal at the WGI Championships in Dayton!!!
Pictures and blogs documenting the trip will soon follow.
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12Apr
The final day has come.
While this adventure is ending, another begins.I will always carry with me the experience I’ve had at Aimachi.I’m excited for what’s ahead,but I’m so sad to leave…What a special place this is.
Tags: Aimachi
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04Apr
The last two weeks; a recap:
The full week with Bret Kuhn here was very productive, and also very tiring. 13 days of rehearsal in a row without a night off. For Keith and myself, this is a little easier to digest, but for the rest of the members who have school or work the next day, this is no easy task. Especially considering the different motivations for people to be a part of this drumline. Truth be told, most of the members in the drumline (and I’m talking a few short of all the members) are not here to drum. They are here for the church. To most, this is nothing more than a church band. So imagine how hard it is to push some of these guys to be great when their intent and motivation doesn’t have to do with being in a great drumline. It’s a great lesson in leadership and management to motivate people with very different goals and intentions. For example, the guy to my left wants to be great, the guy to my right simply does not. The guy on my left eagerly takes on the extra rehearsals and more intense atmosphere because he wants us to keep getting better and better. The guy on my right….doesn’t.
I was approached by someone about this issue about a week ago. They were explaining some people are here primarily for the church, so they are not as enthusiastic about the more aggressive approach to rehearsals. One of which is in my section. I thanked them for letting me know how he felt. I think it’s always good to know where people’s minds are - whether or not they’re ideal. As long as you know how people feel, you have a much better idea of how to approach it.
I’ve thought a lot about this and the way I see it, there are two ways to go. One: back off a little - make rehearsals more casual/relax. Don’t address every playing and musical issue. Essentially, just ride out the next two weeks. Two: Push. Use every minute we have left together as a drumline to make this the best product we can. Address every issue and polish the show as much as possible. If Keith and myself were the only bass drummers belonging in the second category with the remaining three members subscribing to the first, we’d have to settle somewhere right in the middle of those two extremes.
Realistically, it’s four to one. Four want to push. Four want to be great.
We’re gonna push.
As unfair as it may seem to the one member who isn’t enjoying himself as much as everyone else, I think it would be even more unfair to back-off for the sake of one guy.
I’m not turning a blind eye to him, however. I know this is hard and I’m making it a point to be as encouraging as I can. I want him to know I think he’s doing well and getting better - something I probably failed to do earlier in the season.
It’s hard when everyone isn’t on the same page. I’m tackling this the best way I know how. I think it’s very important to know where everyone’s minds are. That’s the first step. Same page or not, you need to know what people are feeling and thinking. After that, figure out what’s in the best interest of everyone and do it. Because you’ve taken the time to understand what people are thinking, you’ll know how your chosen course of action will be received by everyone involved.
On a new note, I’m working on getting Korea pictures up and a subsequent blog post so check back soon for that.
Chris
Tags: Aimachi
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