Stay In Set

6:00am. I’m late.

I stayed up all night last night to adjust counts and choreography, so it would be perfect for today. I’m not saying I regret that decision, but my body sure does resent me for it. Everything is sore from the lack of sleep the day before, but the best remedy is movement, so up I go. First I have to actually make sure my delirious late night adjustments work- and of course, they do. After that, I go through the regular marching band competition day checklist.

Once all the important things are taken care of then I shower, get my hair and makeup done (Because I'm the captain of the Color Guard, and we are graded on our appearance), eat, and run out the door because somehow it’s 8:00, and I’m late.

…

10:30am. I’m exhausted. I’m hungry. I’m hurting.

There are judges all around me. I can see them, but I can’t look. I need to stay in set. I can feel the rocky turf underneath my shoes as I land from each jeté. After the first few minutes, I feel like taking the easy way out and not perform fully. But as always I remember that if I don't stay in set, I’m setting a bad example, so of course I do everything properly.

I am excited for the events, but six minutes begins to feel like forever, and I can feel my legs begin to swell and my body begins to burn from the soreness. For some reason I always get jittery during competitions; I know my routine, but I still have butterflies. I ate, but I still want to faint. Ironic, isn’t it? My uniform scratches, my throat is dry from the excessive smiling, and my lungs feel like they can’t keep up with all that I’m doing. I can’t help but think that maybe taking a break would have been a better choice.

…

9:00pm. Award time.

We’re a 1A band which means a big performance in a small package. It also means we lead the other bands leaders out onto the field to present ourselves as the heads of the bands to the judges one last time. One last salute practice and then we prepare ourselves. One would think standing wouldn’t be such a big deal but good posture and a strong set position can intimidate anyone who can see you- I learned that the hard way my first time. One last “love you” goes around between the five of us before we can’t speak again. Remember the chant. Feet together, stomach in, chest out, shoulders back, elbows locked, chin up, eyes with pride. We march out, and I can see nothing but a blur. I can only look straight ahead as I’m not allowed to move any part of my body. Staying in set is key. We are introduced and placings are announced.

Some twenty minutes pass and the rest of the bands are given their awards. Finally, we get to our category.

“First place…” I can feel our leaders ready to burst from anticipation. The world stands still and the pain doesn’t exist. “Lodi Marching Rams.” We await the thuds of our Drum Major’s white gloves to allow us to move. My muscles are dying to not be in set.

“Thud Thud Thud Thud 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Salute… lock breathe set!” Back to set. But this time it’s filled with pride. It’s a statement. We can hear the roaring cheers from our band behind us. The smells of sweat, grass, and freshly pressed uniforms becomes a symphony of aromas I wish I could bottle and keep. This feeling is why I work hard- why I push to become a better version of myself.