The Band Plays On

Adam is all settled into his new place. Besides a few glitches concerning his move-in date, his wireless internet connection, and the installation of his U-verse cable service, things have gone fairly well for him. Students are beginning to trickle back to campus for the new school year, which begins September 8, and the neighborhood surrounding the apartment seems to be very pleasant.

Adam's roommate, Mike, specifically chose the apartment location two years ago because it was close to the marching band's practice field. Mike used to be a band member, but has since quit. Adam was aware that the band practiced nearby, but he never expected the brusque awakening that he got on his first morning in the apartment. After going to bed around 3 a.m. - which is actually fairly early for Adam, but neither the internet nor television worked yet - he was shocked to hear loud noises outside shortly after 9 a.m. He peeked out the window and saw the entire U of M marching band's drumline poised and practicing. And, as if the booming, steady beat of the drums did not cause enough of a racket, he also heard a relentless piercing beep coming from some sort of metronome. Adam's fan, which we always thought was hideously loud at our house, proved to be no match for the rhythmic reverberations of the university's drummers. He claims that he managed to get a little more sleep that morning, but referred to the commotion outside as "obnoxious."

Evidently, the drumline continues to rehearse in front of Adam's apartment, but lately they have not begun quite as early in the day. Adam says that when they begin at 2 p.m., they pound away until 10 p.m. You have to admire the dedication of those band members. At the same time, you understand why Mike might have abandoned that whole scene - what a huge time commitment! Once school starts, the drummers will obviously not be able to practice as frequently, which will be a huge relief to Adam. I have always loved listening to and watching marching bands, but somehow I don't think that Adam will ever develop the same type of adoration after this experience.