I am a band geek. Specifically, I become obsessed with Indiana marching band every fall. From September through the beginning of November, I watch videos and look at scores and analyze things that no seemingly normal person would ever think about. What’s more, I’m not even the geekiest band geek that I know. There’s an entire world out there that few people know about. When most people think of marching band, they probably think of people walking around football field wearing funny hats and playing crappy music. That’s not the kind of marching band I’m talking about. I’m referring to competitive marching band. I’m also talking about something called Drum Corps during the summer, which isn’t marching band at all. It’s something that takes a lot of hard work. In fact, most people wouldn’t be able to do it because of the physical toll it takes on your body. I did it for five years and certainly couldn’t do it now. Watch this, from ESPN: (it’s only 3.5 minutes)

You should also watch this, at least for a minute or two, just to get an idea of what a competitive show looks like:

You try doing that while playing an instrument and remembering the exact spot you’re supposed to be on a field, making sure you’re exactly in line, in tune, in time, with your horn pointed exactly where it’s supposed to be and not to the left or right, too far up or down, that you are on step (using your left foot when everyone else is), etc. etc. etc. It’s tough! Plus, in the modern area of marching arts, you combine playing an instrument, running a 10 minute sprint, and doing modern dance and ballet.

I’ll leave you with a song that I enjoy listening to when I’m in a band (or corps) mood.