the Sound Wave experience

i have a good friend who is in the sound wave and i asked him to comment on the experience. you will note the complete sentences and capital letters, so you know i couldn’t have wrote this… without further adu…
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Being a part of the first edition of the Sounders FC Marching Band, The Sound Wave, has been a thrill every step of the way.  From auditions back in June to the Sound Wave’s epic performance at the Seahawks vs Patriots halftime show at Qwest Field with the Blue Thunder Drum Line, the band has come a long way and is ready to rock the house at Qwest when the inaugral season starts on March 19th!

Here are some Sound Wave highlights from the first 6 months:
The Audition – It is a great understatement to say auditions can be intense and stressful.  Many of the musicians arriving at Qwest that day already knew each other which eased the tension.  But for those of us that did not know anyone there, introductions from friendly fellow musicians really helped and was a sign of the camaraderie to come within the Sound Wave.  Band Director Keith Rousu (also director of Blue Thunder Drum Line) presided over the auditions. Besides the usual playing part of the audition was a short interview where Keith asked if we were soccer supporters, Sounders FC supporters and if we were ready to commit to not only rehearsals and performances but to be a part of making the atmosphere at Qwest Field special for the fans and the team and the success of the franchise in the MLS.  I could tell right then that this was not going to be just your random band of musician mercenaries, but an element of the game experience and one of the faces of the franchise. Very Cool. (I made the band on Mellophone!)

Rehearsals – After auditions and new instrument purchases (sweet silver KING sousaphones, baritones and mellophones) we had our first rehearsal, to be followed by many other “firsts”. From day one I could tell this band was going to be good with many very strong players in every section. We started out with about 50 members and held our first rehearsals on the top floor of Qwest Field parking lot.  We started out with 3 songs but that number quickly grew to over a dozen as of today. Many of our charts are arranged by Assistant Directors/Brass Coaches Steve Baretich and Edd George. Edd and Steve are bringing hot, original arrangements to the Sound Wave including Low by Flo Rider, Fire by Jimi Hendrix, Can’t Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Get Ready by the Temptations and of course the Sounders Theme by Henry Mancini.

Performances – Rehearsals are fun but for a musician it’s nothing compared to performing. Especially when you are performing songs folks can move and groove to and that create a positive response.  Every performance the Sound Wave has been quite different: the Kasey Keller press conference, the first Membership Association meeting with Drew Carey, the Holiday Parade (where Police Chief Kerlikowski’s wife was caught dancin’ in the streets to the Sound Wave’s version of LOW with the parade crowd cheering her on!), the Fashion show – again with Drew, the big Seahawk halftime gig with the Blue Thunder and the SeaGals (two observations… 1. Blue Thunder are incredibly talented and really know how to work the crowd.  2. The SeaGals are pretty talented too and dance GREAT!) and the FX McRroy’s Sigi Schmid greeting.  Each and every performance brought cheers and positive reactions from the crowds  (including spontaneous dancing in public!) and support for the band and Sounders FC.  Also, we had the honor of playing at the Tuba Man’s memorial service.  An appropriate example of how the Sound Wave is going to be a positive and respectful part of the Seattle music scene.

Then there’s Drew Carey, the man behind the band, who as it happens is a really terrific and down to earth guy.  He came and hung out with the band after the Membership Association meeting and answered questions, cracked jokes, gave autographs and took pictures plus shared what his vision and goals were for the band’s future.  He has taken a very personal interest in the Sounders FC and the Sound Wave, which is really going to make this experience that much more unique in ways only Mr.Carey can.  This is going to be a wild and fun ride!