McKeesport Tiger

Marching Band

Ode to the Band
by Elizabeth Hunter

You enter the room with instruments in hand
You think how lucky you are to be in the band
You can roll-step and jazz run, pivot and turn
Runs and thrilling flutter-tongue you learn
You are not content with just a half-time show
The spirit of competition and winning you want to know
You practice and march until you could die
You know long hours are worth it, it is no lie
For when you take the field on competition day
your head will be high as you hear the drum major say,
"Mark time move." With a look and a clap of his hands
You think only of your music, not of other bands
You march and you play with all of your heart
The show goes so quick, it's over 'fore you start
You watch other bands as you wait for retreat
You cheer and you laugh, you can't stay in your seat
The last band performs, and you anxiously await
The judges are done, the scores they tabulate
Standing at attention, the drum majors are on the field
You hear the scores read, you feel the tension build
You hope you will take the big trophy home tonight
It all seems so close, so within your sight
It all goes so quick, you don't want to blink
You know you did well, but you always must think
It doesn't matter if you've won or you've lost
Just so you've had fun, that's the only cost
The band you will treasure for all of your life
It is an experience you could never cut with a knife
Remember those days with your instrument in hand
Never give up your memories of your life in the band.

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