The Marching Band
Over the 4th of July holiday, we visited family in Wisconsin. We had a wonderful time and made lasting memories, most of them poolside. However, we did get to go to one of my nephew’s marching band competitions while we were there. It was an experience I won’t soon forget and I am very grateful we had the opportunity to see it live instead of in a shared Google photo app (living far from family problems). Below is my takeaway from the experience…
I sat there in awe as I tried to be fully present and appreciate the performance and dedication I was witnessing. With each sidestep and head bob from the percussion section, I thought about all the time that goes into a marching band concert and competition. I wasn’t aware that marching band competitions existed until we went to watch my nephew perform the trumpet in his “crew.” It gave me flashbacks to Bring It On when Kirsten Dunst’s character explains to the new girl that cheering at the football game is just practice and the real prize is winning the national championship. These exhibitions are the real meat and potatoes, not the band concerts and football game band playing during the school year. To be clear, I wasn’t a cheerleader or in the band, so my frame of reference is low. But watching it was like watching a dance with the most intricate and efficient movements. As the night went on and the groups escalated in skill level, it was less a marching band show and more a full-on theatrical display. My sideways glances to see my kids smiling as they clapped at the end of each song were priceless.
As the sun faded and the drumline intensified the beat to coordinate the flying flags and rolling props, I thought of all the potential on the field. There were “crews” with some of the oldest band competitors in the country—not ready to say goodbye to the electricity that comes with getting in front of a crowd doing what you love. Which I appreciate and fully support—it’s not over until it’s over! Then my mind wandered as I looked at the faces playing the keyboard and the full body experience as you watched them be completely overcome by the rhythm. There is passion in their ability to manipulate the keys. I thought of the potential of each young person and the fact that they don’t even realize everything available to them and what’s truly possible for their futures. From young relationships that seem like the epitome of importance that will inevitably fade…what wisdom I wish I could impart. I want to let them know that it gets even better once you realize who you are and what you are capable of. The world is right there to meet you if you are brave enough to take one small step outside your comfort zone—much like the small steps left, right, back, and forth they take while performing.
At one point, we moved higher up the bleachers, and it was like watching something completely different from that vantage point. Instead of focusing on individuals, I was looking at the group. It was a work of art. From young kids and grandparents to band lovers and friends—I truly believe everyone was enjoying the showmanship. I left that night feeling compelled to write this. Not only to express how proud we are of our nephew and all his hard work and dedication to something magnificent (we see you and what you are doing is special) but also to tell each of you to step out of your normal and experience the joy from anything different. You will never know how much you might appreciate broadening your horizons until you do it. Step out of what is comfortable, ask questions, and be fully present in the experience. There is magic in what is unexpected and extraordinary. The world has so much to offer. Read the books. Take the trips. Be open to other perspectives. Listen to the band…
Have a great weekend and as always, happy reading.
Everyone in matching shirts to cheer on our nephew, Rudy!
