I hear the cue from the director and
the drums start their cadence.
We set off down the field.
It’s a surreal feeling. I’m surrounded by
familiar faces on my level,
and above there are strangers. We’re all
preparing ourselves, us to do our best, and the spectators
for the show we’re going to give them.
We land in our spots all at once, like a coordinated pack
preparing for attack. The drum major cues us and
we all start at once. The music wraps itself around me,
All consuming. I’m filled with the confidence of hundreds
of people watching, entranced.
The audience makes it easier. The audience makes me
want to do my best, so I do. As I play
I warp the music internally, forcing it to do as I say.
The notes bend and arch at my command
like pliable plastic.
I can almost see the music as it dances,
all of the parts blending to form a beautiful symphony.
When we finish our performance
and it's time to march off the field, I feel complete as if
a part of me was missing before today.
