I just finished reading the wonderful book Putting It Together: How Stephen Sondheim and I Created Sunday In The Park With George by James Lapine. I found this behind-the-scenes account of the creation of a Broadway musical to be fascinating and inspiring.

Right now we are all being caregivers. I encourage you to spend time taking care of yourself. Recognize the extra responsibilities that you have in your life, and then resolve to make sure you are prepared for this work.

As we create and provide webinars and podcasts at Marching Arts Education, the most requested topic is always about how to create a culture of success and excellence. Conversations about culture have also been a part of the gymnastics coverage at the Olympics. Gymnastics stars like Simone Biles, Sam Mikulak (pictured), and Brody Malone are so driven and successful that it is well known that they have influenced the gyms the practice in and beyond.

Life has felt heavy lately, but I still need to search for ways to find joy. Over the shut down of the last year and a half, I've started baking. Typically nervous in the kitchen, baking has been a great place for me to start learning new skills. In baking, if you follow the recipe (and follow the rules), things usually turn out well.

Tim shares a story from his high school days to remind us to keep competition in perspective, especially this year!

Even with the excitement of drum corps happening, the world is still a stressful place right now. We could all use a laugh. In this spirit, I thought I'd share one of my favorite drum corps memories with you from DCI Finals in 1984.

You don't have to have reached your goal to be a "Success." If you're trying to improve and are working hard, you ARE, right now, a success!

Anyone who has truly worked hard and accomplished something knows that the world is not interested in our excuses, it simply asks that we do the work required.

I'm feeling encouraged. Even in the midst of the stress of the shutdown and then the acceleration of the opening up, I am feeling good about lots of things. I'm thankful for all the terrific conversations I've had the privilege to have lately.

As we reach the milestone of Podcast 1000, I am proud that the Marching Roundtable has shared the best of our activity.