This Is My Life

The Way They Played Was So Beautiful

Oh my god... Guys... I almost have tears in my eyes...

Today, our band camp practice lasted from 8 am - 8 pm (longer than usual, because it usually only goes until 4 pm). Because of that, for about half an hour near the end, the winds and percussion all practiced together for the first time in months.

All's going good, and practice ends. The band moms had brought cake for the kids, so after we were released, I went in line for cake. While in line, I overheard someone saying, "Oh my god, the pit was right beside me during practice, and I almost cried."

I, being in the pit, didn't know how to take this. I was wondering if this was an insult. Were we too loud for his ears? Did we play bad? I mean, what was it?

Because I thought we had played well. Thankfully, his friend asked him why. (I say thankfully because I wasn't gonna ask the kid, but I also wanted to know.)

That's when this boy replies with,

"Because the music they played; it was so beautiful."

And let me tell you right there, I was almost in a state of shock, because that wasn't at all what I was expecting. Still, I'm glad he said it. I mean, just those words alone bring tears to my eyes. I don't ever remember someone who wasn't a family member or in percussion or something complimenting us in that way. This kid really seemed like he had witnessed something spectacular.

And we did that.

Like, wow. Someone really appreciates the pit and enjoys them, and that truly makes me happy. It truly does. I mean, I swear, at that moment, I could literally feel my heart swell with joy, and I almost teared up.

Do you ever feel that way? When you've worked so hard on something, and you do your best, and you see how greatly you've impacted those around you, and you just feel so.... I don't know how to describe it... Prideful? Awe? It's one reason you do this thing in the first place. Because it makes you and others happy. You know?

You see, I've heard insults about the pit, and there are a lot of people who think we do nothing, or that we're just lazy, because we don't march like the others, but we work just as hard as everyone else, and to hear someone say that about us...

That kid,
although I don't know him, nor him me,
although he wasn't talking to me, nor I to him,
although he doesn't know it,

The words he spoke... they made my day, at least my week.

And I am truly proud and glad that people think our pit is beautiful.