We had a wonderful time at state, and learned a lot. They didn't make it to globals, but they all want to try again next year.
The team had to make an improv skit around the Mouse from the Lion and the Mouse, Jack cutting down the beanstalk from Jack and the Bean Stalk, and a surprise setting of "At a Frog Jumping Contest". Their story had a crazy announcer, and a mouse named Jack in a cage made out of recycled beanstalks. Jack was the prize in the jumping contest. He didn't like that and so he chewed his way out through the beanstalks. The moral of the story was "don't use recycled materials if you want to keep something in." It was pretty good, but not their best performance. The pressure got to them, and I spent some time afterwards smoothing disappointment and hurt feelings. We did have fun marching from place to place though since I brought kazoos, nose flutes, and harmonicas and we made an impromptu kazoo band as we moved about.
Barry, tell your daughter and wife GOOD LUCK !!!! If you have never been, go to the awards ceremony at the end of the day. Even if the team doesn't win, it is great fun.