Stressful Moments In A Marching Band

Essay A

The grueling minutes (which feel like hours) that lead up to a marching band performance are some of the most stressful moments in every band nerd’s life. The desire to win, mixed with the fear of forgetting a step causes an annoying queasiness in the pit of everyone’s stomachs. Not only would I be worried about my own performance, but also concerned for the seven other girls in my section, and the sixty plus other people that march on the field around us. Each step, note, spin, or toss of a flag, and every pair of eyes on the judge's box all matters. Every color guard member is expected to keep their flags in the same time, while also marching (sometimes even dancing) along to the beat with the rest of the band. The practices and performances are difficult enough, but even more so when all eight girls have different opinions, learning styles, and attitudes.
The ages can range from eighth to twelfth grade, and most of us are not typically friends at school. While passing in the halls we might give a kind smile, but we most likely would not stop to conversate. When we aren’t arguing about the routine during practices though, we are all telling secrets and giggling nonstop. Everyone learns differently, so we all have different techniques on remembering how to do certain spins. Since I am now one of the more experienced members, I get to turn my learning style into a teaching style when a move is difficult for a younger girl. Since I see my future career being in education, I feel that these small teaching moments will definitely be an advantage in the long