Updates

As many of you already know, James didn't get the Old Guard position. Here's an excerpt from an e-mail James sent out about the results:

As you all know, I went up to Washington, D.C. this last week to audition for the Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. If you haven't already heard, I didn't get the job. One of the auditionees was a former member of the Old Guard, and he already knew their marching and playing style. So it was difficult to compete with that. I believe they made the right decision for their purposes. I was really impressed with how good all the other auditionees were. They said this was the most competitive audition they've ever had.
In the past, they said they've received video auditions, and no one met the minimum standards, so they rejected all the applicants and re-opened the position. But this time, they said that the top ten would have all likely made it. And they only brought in the top five, so it was a difficult task.

I really enjoyed watching and drumming with the Old Guard members. I was really impressed with what they were doing. They don't cut corners, and they play a lot of "unnecessarily" difficult parts just because they can. Everyone there said that they really loved their job (quite a contrast from my Marine band days), and I've decided that, if at all possible, I really want to re-audition next time there is an opening. In the meantime, I have several other job opportunities lined up, but I'm definitely going to keep my eyes pealed for future audition openings.

We're both disappointed that he didn't get it, but James now knows how much he would like to be a part of the Old Guard. He will definitely be on the lookout for any openings and will keep practicing. In the meantime, he has a few other job opportunities in the works. It's been a very frustrating process for both of us. I do think we have both grown quite a bit through the job hunt experience, but I know we are more than ready to have this part of our lives behind us and be a bit more settled.

We are still waiting on Ian to show up. I'm 38 weeks now and hoping he comes soon! I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon and will be able to find out if we are any closer to having him than we were last week.