First Band Competition of the Season

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/1700 sec, ISO200
“Pep Talk” Austin, 2019

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Koa’s high school marching band took part in their first competition of the season, and they did great, finishing 4th place out of 26 bands. Their show this year is pretty good, and of course they spend so much time practicing every day. Mariko and I watched all the finalists’ performances, and they were all awesome! I’m not really very competitive so I don’t get too caught up in the results (at least I try not to) but it’s great to hear and see all the different shows.

Each and every one of these student musicians is really dedicated in order to perform at this level, and it’s really cool to see them all cheering the other bands on. It’s really like a big family, and in this age of social media, they know a lot of the students of the other schools. Band is like one humongous family! Very cool!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
“The Finalists” Austin, 2019

I hope you had a great day!

またね~

New Band Show

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/100 sec, ISO2000
“Halftime Performance” Cedar Park, 2019

It’s true that high school football is a big deal in Texas (just look how big the stadium is), but also true is that high school marching band is huge. Koa’s high school goes all-in on the band, with long hours of practice to give them a great chance to do well in the competitions. Last year, they won the UIL state championship, which was the first time ever for the school! This year’s show is another high-concept piece, and I’m hoping they do great. Not sure if they can top last year, but I’m just hoping Koa enjoys this season as much as last.

On a related note, the football team has started the season undefeated at 2-0 which is a pleasant surprise. Last season they won only two games the whole year, so I’m sure these kids are pretty stoked.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, ISO2500
“Kick Off” Cedar Park, 2019

I hope you had a great day!

またね~

Bay’s Move-in Day at Rice University

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/100 sec, ISO500
“New Students” Houston, 2019

Today we drove down to Rice University in Houston to drop Bay off at his new school. It was an amazing experience, not only for Bay, but also for Mariko and I. When we arrived at Martel College (Rice has 11 residential colleges), a group of “Martelians” were there to greet Bay and help take all his luggage and stuff up to his room. It was so cool!

Martel is a really nice residential college, with a great courtyard and an awesome sundeck. It looks like it’s an ideal place for college kids to hang out (and party). Below the sundeck is the lounge area with a piano and it connects to the “servery” or cafeteria. It’s a really convenient set-up.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, ISO200
“Martel Sundeck” Houston, 2019

This was my first time to visit the campus, and I was super-impressed. It’s so clean and beautiful, but not huge and spread out. I’m kind of jealous that Bay gets to go to such a great university. But not jealous enough that I’d want to go back to school. 😄

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/2400 sec, ISO200
“Quad” Houston, 2019

After lunch, we said our goodbyes to Bay, and he went off with the other students to begin “O-Week”, while the parents all went to the fieldhouse (indoor arena) for a greeting from the school president, and to hear speeches from alumni and current students. It was fun, funny, and informative. A+

After some shopping at the student store and some refreshments, Mariko and I joined the other Architecture students’ parents at the Architecture school for a meet and greet with the Dean of Architecture. I think all the kids are in great hands there… the Dean and the Advisor are both very approachable, smart, and dedicated. I have no worries!

But soon, it was time to leave Rice University and head back home. We’re so proud of Bay and hope he makes the most of his collegiate career. Such a great kid! 😌

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO320
“Sci-fi Hallway” Houston, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO200
“Studio” Houston, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO800
“Rice Architecture Pins” Houston, 2019

Bay’s Leaving Soon

Photo info: motorola moto g(6), 3.95mm, f/1.8, 1/20 sec, ISO788
“Bay and I” Round Rock, 2019

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Today was Bay’s last “normal” day with me before he heads to college, and we spent the morning shopping at IKEA for a few last-minute dorm items. It was fun, but I was a little sad because I knew this would be the last time for a while that I would get to hang out with him. 😢

For dinner, Bay requested that I make spaghetti with meatballs. Since this is his “last meal” I was surprised that he asked me to make it, since Mariko is 100x a better cook than I am. So that made me kind of happy inside. 😌

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/55 sec, ISO3200
“Spaghetti Dinner” Cedar Park, 2019

I hope you had a nice day!

またね~

Sophomore Year in Band Starts

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec, ISO200
“New Band Kick-off” Cedar Park, 2019

This evening, Koa’s High School Band held their Parent Preview Concert at the nearby stadium. Last year, they had an amazing program and this year looks great as well. They have already worked hard in preparation for the marching season and it sounds amazing, but the important thing is that the kids seem to be having fun as they learn. Inspiring for all the parents to see their kids putting in the hard work and realizing the results. 👍

I hope you had a good day!

またね~