Recently, Bob talked about the important Delegate responsibility of serving as wallpaper. Today, I’m undertaking another of the less-well-known parts of the job.

I’m intentionally risking making a fool of myself in public.

We get asked to do all sorts of things in the name of civic involvement. We throw out pitches on Opening Day. (My entire school career was pre-Title IX. What can I say? I throw like a girl.) We act as auctioneers for charitable events. We wear silly hats. (Not me–“Don’t Put On the Hat” is still my motto.)

But tonight is my annual Lenten excursion into total public humility. I’m going to be conducting a high school band.

It’s a concert called “March Madness,” and madness it is. A variety of local luminaries sign up to direct the West Potomac High School band in a concert featuring marches. Mostly, it goes well. But there was one ghastly time when the guest conductor brought down the baton and . . . nothing happened.

Most of the concert attendees are there because their kids play in the band. A few, I figure, are there to see if any similar catastrophe will occur–sorta like the folks who go to a hockey game hoping a fight will break out.

But the concert raises lots of money for music scholarships. Which is why I’ll be bringing down the baton–and hopefully conducting a spirited march.

If you’re interested in helping with the scholarship part, March Madness is at West Potomac High School, 7:30.