The 4th of July Was Never Like This.
Nov 3rd, 2005 by Don Ray
At approximately 12:10 AM, drums and trumpets awakened me. It seems that it is customary to serenade important dignitaries in the city on Independence Day and one happens to live across the street from me. The first serenade was followed by a second set of instrumentalists (word used most liberally) about 20 minutes later.
I must admit, it is better than car alarms going off, but not by much. I remember my 8th grade marching band in Bowie Junior high in Odessa Texas. Now that band could play music. John Philip Sousa, Star Spangled Banner, Blue Suede Shoes, etc. were all recognized when played. I am sorry, but these bands just do not play music.
When you listen, it sounds like they are playing revile with a rapid and loud drum background. And it repeats and repeats and repeats and repeats. I swear that even though they think they are playing a different selection, it sounds like the previous. I just wish I could record some for you to hear.
I am sure this must be just another of those cultural differences that exist between different countries. I love almost everything about Panama. I love the land and scenery. I love the climate. I love the people. I love the food. I love the cost of living. But I hate the band music played at all calibrations.
