Looking good is mandatory but playing your instrument is optional.
I recently posted photos of Semana Santa – Easter Week – in Spain. Religious processions are solemn occasions but we’ve always been amused by the teenagers who take part in the marching bands.
The above photo was very busy so was heavily cropped to focus attention on the boys’ faces. What you can’t see is that they are all carrying wind instruments. What you can see is that they aren’t playing them.
Jude of Travel Words and the earth laughs in flowers has invited me to join in with this challenge. Jude is an accomplished photographer/traveler/garden enthusiast so while out and about stays grounded and records everything with wonderfully entertaining results.
There are only two rules for this challenge:
- On 5 consecutive days, create a post using either a past or recent photo in B&W.
- Each day invite another blog friend to join in the fun.
Today I would like to nominate Sue Slaght at Travel Tales of Life to take part in the challenge. Sue has all the energy, enthusiasm and devilment I wish I had for travel. You just never know what she will do next. It’s all documented. Go have a look. You won’t be disappointed.
Which Way Now 101 
I do not know what the original looked like- but the cropped version here really gives you a feel for the energy of being in the band – and as you note “looking good” and I truly wonder how those outfits evolved to become that…
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! The uncropped photo had many band members and lots of bystanders who I thought had no right to be in my photo!
LikeLike
well maybe the original will still serve as a way to remember the entire scene – but for this one – I bet you are right that it would have been so “busy”
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great B&W – amazing outfits.
LikeLike
They looked the business didn’t they? The Catholic faith is steeped in ceremony in Spain.
LikeLike
Great image, Carol. What gorgeous plumage, rivalling some of my Florida birds. 🙂 I found this explanation for the chin strap placement. http://ask.metafilter.com/227369/Why-do-they-not-use-the-chinstrap-properly
LikeLike
Interesting, Sylvia! Thanks for the research.
LikeLike
Carol You are so kind although I am no sure if devilment is a compliment? I will take it as one. 🙂 I very much appreciate your generous words and invitation.
Another fantastic black and white and thanks for including the whole photo in the comments.
LikeLike
Of course it’s a compliment! I have these images in my head of you – one is of you splashing into the water as the pelicans take off and the other is of you running (was it up or down) to/from the cross during the Passion Play. You know how to liven up a story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes well I ran both up and down to the cross, a bit faster down when under the threat of at best eviction from the theatre and at worst arrest. The recent pelican extravaganza was great fun although i have been told pelicans can get very aggressive. Yikes.
LikeLike
Yikes indeed! But so cool that you were caught on camera!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes fast shooting on Dave’s part with some coaching of our friends who knew it would make a good part of the story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are getting into your stride aren’t you? See, I told you this challenge would be good for you and I am loving the varied shots. Another lovely image, good tight crop and great contrast.
We’re thinking of another trip to Cornwall. Just can’t give up on the Cornish dream yet 😉
LikeLike
B & W is back to Arizona tomorrow. Yes, I am enjoying it.
Good luck with Cornwall. Where will you base yourself?
LikeLike
Truro probably. It is central so we can branch out to most other areas in an hour’s drive.
LikeLike
Good central spot. That’s where we stayed.
LikeLike
Any place that hit the spot so’s to speak?
LikeLike
We were looking around from Helston down to the Lizard but were told property is cheaper north of Wadebridge.
LikeLike
Great pic Carol. I am a clarinet player and wondered the same as Joanne. I would have found it difficult!
LikeLike
Image comes first for these guys,Barb! I refer you back to the photograph I posted in reply to Joanne’s comment. You all had me thinking they were probably drummers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All those guys have to do is buzz their lips, I still think woodwinds would be difficult! I think you probably have a pic for every possible WP prompt!
LikeLike
With all the strange things going on in my head, I can make ’em fit! It’s actually very entertaining to ‘travel’ back through my photographs and remember when . . .
LikeLike
What is this? A non-alcoholic post? Come on, fess up….you cropped out the pub in the background so we wouldn’t see you and Himself sitting in there with your drinks, right? 🙂 Lovely pic, even with the cropping. I do wonder if the apparent earring on the boy in the back is regulation dress code though….LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your comments on Carol’s posts are brightening up my days! You just make me chuckle… 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
hiccup!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Don’t be silly! We went for a drink afterwards. We couldn’t have seen everything properly if we were sitting down. So now, not only is everyone questioning my alcohol consumption, you’re scrutinizing my photographs as well! Did you see his tattoo?
LikeLike
Oh, of course. How could I have been so silly not to know that? I’ll catch on soon, Carol, I promise. It’s just that the life of imbibers is a new one to me….I’ve only been introduced to it since I started following you! But I’m a quick learner so don’t worry I won’t make these mistakes for long. And of course we have to scrutinize the photographs…..we may have to stage an intervention at some point! LOL.
Seriously though, no I did not see the tattoo but I really do enjoy how you use your photos in these challenges. I am wondering how many photos your library actually contains….am thinking you’ve probably got a million!
LikeLike
So let me get this right, if you become an alcoholic it will be my fault? I’m thinking I need a new topic in my posts. This all started from a photo of a pretty Cornish fishing village. How did that happen?
As for my photos, there were 12,000 some years ago and then I changed laptops and lost count.
LikeLike
12,000? And each one a gem from what I can see. Very impressive! Don’t think you have to worry about me becoming an alcoholic…someone has to stay sober to keep their eyes on you! 🙂
LikeLike
You’re right. Somebody needs to. 😄
LikeLike
I’m not a musician – wind instrument or otherwise – but it seems to me that it would be somewhat challenging to play said instruments with that chin strap under the mouth … or does it in fact make it easier?
I love the big feather plumes 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You made me doubt myself (not difficult) so I quickly flashed through my photo files thinking I’d made it all up (I often do) and found this for you:
It does look awkward doesn’t it?
LikeLike
What did you find?!
All joking aside, I’ve seen many marching bands and they all have that odd chin strap. Obviously there is a good reason for it 🙂
LikeLike
Maybe if the chin strap is under the chin it blocks the airway. Can’t have all the lads fainting halfway through the procession!
Anybody out there know why the ‘chin’ strap is in that precarious position?
LikeLike
I’ve got it! I’ve got it! The instruments are placed against the lips above the straps to hold the hats in place. They are only played when the hats are in danger of falling off!
LikeLike
I suspect you’re right … although it would make for an interesting procession 😉
LikeLike
They are certainly that.
LikeLike