On Monday, some of my friends in the band program in this college concinved me to go with them to the Radisson Astrodome, where they were holding auditions for the Houston Texans pep band, which is going to play at all Texan home games. So I took my trombone and hopped over there with them to try out.
I’ve been playing for a long time, but I’m not very good, I hadn’t practiced all weekend, and I hadn’t prepared to play anything. I was just doing it for fun, in other words. However, what I didn’t expect was that ABC sent a camera crew over there near the end of the night, they taped my audition, and I ended up on the 10 o’clock news! I didn’t see it myself, but all week people I know have been saying stuff like “Robby, I saw you on TV the other day!” and “Was that you on the news on Monday?” The topper was just an hour or so ago, when a girl I didn’t even know stopped me and said, “Did I see you on channel 13 news?” She even wished me luck on getting in the band.
There’s no way I’ll make it in the band and fame is fleeting, but it feels good to be somewhat known for something I did.
At least being in the news for being in a band is cool. I was in the news for being the regional winner of the Odor Eater’s Rotten Sneaker contest when I was in High School. My shoes were so trashed - no soles, barely any tread, broken shoelaces, and just plain worn out - but really really comfortable!
I was in a mall and there was a stage being set-up with big Vans shoes and Odor Eater’s posters (the sponsers), so I decided to stick around to see what it was all about. When they announced it was a Rotten Sneaker contest, I figured I was a ‘shoe-in’ and signed-up.
I won first prize. Six pairs of Vans sneakers and a trip to Vermont for the national finals. It was funny, but terribly embarassing after it showed up on the news the next night. I even had a radio interview.
I made it to the top 3 in Vermont, but thankfully didn’t take first.
I like stories of peoples’ 15 minutes of fame. There’s something comforting in knowing that real people get the spotlight on them now and then.
I think that’s why I like watching the televised Lottery show (PowerBall hosted by Bob Eubanks) The people on the show, well, let’s just say that they don’t look like they belong on TV, aesthetically speaking.
Hey I hope you puffed your cheeks out etc so you looked cool doing it.
Now since you’re in college let me give you some advice from an old 'Bone player. Play all through college, it’s an easy A! Actaully I played through college and after college I really haven’t played much, only once in the last year actaully. I’m not all that good either, but I still like to play.
I agree with Edward on the playing part. I would like to take a moment to encourage any horn player to continue playing and get in a band. There is just not enough horn music coming out these days!!!
