[TPIN] bands and competitions

[Keith Reynolds]

My supervisor (not a musician) wants me to take my high school band to 
NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) major organization 
festival for a grade.

My group always performs the best music(Candide, Festive Overture, 
Holst, etc.) I can find and we have to make sure we don't schedule the 
Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble on the same night so my poor trumpet players 
don't have to turn their lips into hamburger.

I'm not philosophically disposed to the concept of music for a grade - 
no audience, just two adjudicators.  I play the trumpet to make the 
magic - I play golf for the score.

Can anyone make me feel better about taking my kids (who play 75 
compositions/year) to such a competition?

Thanks,
Keith Reynolds