Application of blogging journal that I am applying to another community.
In the spirit of discussing communities, I recently recognized a community significant not only to me but to Randolph-Macon (hopefully). On Krista Street stands a fairly small house called the pep band house. This house holds about 20 residents, ranging from ages 18 to 35 (the approximate age of the man of the house, the band director). Although the house is often occupied, its members also travel a lot, so in the driveway sit two 15 passenger vans. This weekend, the pep band traveled to the ODAC championship games in Roanoke, Virginia, to support Randolph-Macon’s basketball team. The bonding element of this group is a shared appreciation for team spirit and the ability to play a musical instrument. This house has had a few additions put on it over the past several years, growing by about 10 residents this year. Anyone can move in who has played a musical instrument, and there are no costs except that of a time commitment (this weekend as an example). Special terms are used by the house, such as different musical terms. For example, I’ve heard some residents use the Italian term for playing quietly “decrescendo”, to quite members of the house. Tensions and controversy occur about what music to play and when to schedule practices, but more so between the group and its financial supporters. Actually, the school supports the pep band greatly and generously, but the tension still exists because of the amount of money needed to make the pep band successful. Overall, this house is very spirited and loves sharing in camaraderie with the rest of the Randolph-Macon community.