Heart of the Game

Going on away games with the football team seemed to give them a sense of confidence. The team knew we'd be there (unless it was raining, in which case we didn't go since the equipment would be ruined) and enthusiastically cheering them on. We seemed to be a piece of home and so gave them a little of the "home field advantage" excitement.

We went to this one game about 45 minutes away from home to cheer on the team and have a good time. We loaded onto the away stands, which was always a hassle for the drumline because of the size and placement of our instruments, and prepared to play. When we played in the stands, we always played when our team was on the defensive so as not to distract the offensive line with our music. The trumpets began to play the Superman theme as our team kicked off and we were off. We quickly switched into "Born to Be Wild," trying to play as much as we could before our team got the ball. Suddenly the referees blew the whistle and came running over to the stands. Confusion ensued as the drum major cut us off to see what was happening. We were informed that we were not allowed to play. Puzzled, we obliged and let the opposing team finish out their possession.

The next time the opposing team got the ball, we began to play again. Again, the refs stopped the game and told us to stop playing. He told us that if we wanted to play, we could do so in between plays. So we did... and we only got in a measure or two before we were forced to stop because the play had begun. Frustration mounting, we began to play louder and louder. Eventually the band director had us play through the football plays because it was impossible to pick up where we left off from before. The fans were getting bits and pieces of a broken song. The refs stopped the game for a third time and this time the coach came over and started yelling at us. He told us that if we couldn't stop playing, we could leave. Angry and dismayed, we sat down on the stands. This had never happened before. It happens in college football all the time, but never before had this rule been enforced for high school ball.

When the opposing team possessed the ball again, we were silent. Our team and the fans didn't know what to do. Never before had the band not played during our defensive period. The fans, angry that we were not allowed to play, began stomping their feet loudly on the metal stands and yelling loudly. Smiling, our section leader said, "Let them stop that." The drum major gave us the signal to stand up and we began yelling and stomping as well. Although the coach couldn't stop the fans, he did come over and yell at us again. Enraged, we sat down as the director yelled back at the coach. Eventually the director gave up and sat down. We waited about 15 minutes and then the director said, "Let's go, guys." We looked up at him, sad, angry, and puzzled. "There's nothing we can do here. We can't motivate the crowd or the team...let's just go." The drum major took him aside and they decided we would stay with the team until halftime and then we would go.

During half time, we played our show, and we played it so well. All the pent up energy when into that show and we kicked some ass. After half time, we packed up and as we left, we heard the fans once again stomping and yelling, creating the music that we were prohibited to play.