Between Love and Music

5-Nerves and Suprise Winners

“Here we go drum line! Remember your music, because you are the heart and soul of this band! Okay? Let’s get ‘em!” I made a small pep talk as we were lining up to take the field. The first-year bass drums looked extremely nervous, and I was anxious myself. We had already changed, unloaded equipment, and did our traditions. I felt someone poke me in the back. Turning around, I realized it was Will. “Don’t be nervous. This is your ninth competition. You should be used to it by now.” I nodded and watched as he headed to the high brass line behind the woodwinds.

 I gulped, felling the usual butterflies in my stomach. I picked at the blue electrical tape on my drum sticks, a nervous habit of mine. “Stop that, you’ll lose your grip on them.” I looked up to see Chase standing beside me.  ‘No, I’m pretty sure that my hands will grip them tight enough as it is. Oh, and put your hat on. We’re about to go on.” He rolled his eyes at me. “But, they’re dorky.” He sounded so much like a five year old, it wasn’t even funny. “Does it look like I care? Put it on now. Section leader orders.” He narrowed his eyes at me but, placed the hat on his head and fastened the strap. I turned around and realized our lines were already formed. I pulled on Chase’s arm, jogging towards the lines. We got into our lines, strapped down with equipment, and waited to go onto the field. The lines moved to the back of the football field, meaning we had about five minutes before we had to perform. I gave another pep talk to the snare drums, and then left them to their own thoughts. I was about to remind Chase of the extra roll in the ballad but, he was staring at the field with a cold expression in his green eyes. I followed his gaze and realized that Winchester Music Academy was performing…and they were good. “Mr. Kein!” I whisper shouted loud enough for him to hear. He walked over to me with a worried expression on his face. “What’s wrong?”

“Winchester is here?”

He nodded. “They’re in our class.” I widened my eyes and starting picking at my tape again. I heard a snare solo and my neck snapped to the field. Their percussion was well trained and perfect. With a final roll-off, Winchester’s performance was over. I squeezed Chase’s arm from behind. He turned around and gave me a small smile. “You’re gonna do fine. Stop stressing yourself out.” I sighed and focused on my drill and my music. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. Finally, the announcer’s voice crackled from the speakers. “Entering the field is the Smith County Tigers!” I opened my eyes and began the roll off.

Like soldiers, we all took identical first steps, moving towards our opening set. When we had all reached our spots, I ordered everyone to a halt. I watched as we were called to attention and our field commander saluted the judge’s box. “Smith County, you may take the field in competition.”  I blinked. Here we go.

Our first piece was the longest. The drum line snaked around the back of the field, skillfully intertwining our drill with the guard’s. We pushed our way in between the woodwinds, making our way to the front. I winced as I heard the bass drums off count. “One! Two and three, four!” I shouted, keeping everyone on time. Relief washed over me as the first song ended and everyone was in their place. I watched the field commander’s hands, trying to feel the tempo. The ballad began, slow and steady. We were at a hold, so I listened to the sound of the whole band. We sounded whole. Like a unity. I smiled. The ballad was always my favorite. We were at another hold again. I took this as an opportunity to watch the guard choreography that was taking place in front of me. Our guard guy, Shane, was surrounded by the guard girls, like he was selecting one. He finally picked Veronica. She was beginning a dance of sorts, but the drum line was moving again, headed towards the back. The ballad ended, and the closing piece was about to begin. We moved into a circular form, close to the brass. The drum line was pulled from the circle and moved to the front, standing alone. We played our last measure, and then waited as the woodwinds had their section solo. Then, it was over.