"At My Best" Blog #2

A moment where I was at my best was definitely my senior year of high school at the Mid-Iowa marching Band Championships.  At my high school, sports were always up and down, but one thing always remained the same, the marching band was awesome.  Our band had a long-standing reputation in class 2A, and my senior class had not lost a single competition since being in high school.  This was it, the last performance of our careers, and we were not going to be denied the final victory.

As we waited to go onto the field, like always, the section leaders walked around the band and gave everyone the "secret" handshake for good luck.  As I went around to the rest of my senior class, there was a look of determination on all of there faces.  I headed back to where my trombone section was standing, and gave an inspirational speech to my fellow "boners".  We exchanged nods, and headed onto the field. 

Marching onto the field, four years of hard work and dedication came sweeping across me.  I was so proud of my self and my class for all that we had done, and it showed on my face as we made our way to the 50 yard line.  As our drum majors made their salute, the adrenaline rush hit me like it had many times before.  Every other performance of my career, I would make at least one little mistake throughout the 8 minutes, but not this time.  This time, I was flawless, perfect even.  Every note that I played came out with beautiful tone quality, and every step I took was executed perfectly.  When the show was over and we were marching off the field, I was feeling one of the best feeling I had ever felt before.  Although my face didn't show it, on the inside I was smiling from ear to ear.

As Mr O., our director, cried and gave his speech to us seniors, four years of sweat, dedication, and hard work hit me all at once.  It was definitely a one in a million feeling.  I felt a gigantic sense of accomplishment and gratitude, knowing I had left it all on the field one last time. After giving Mr. O. a hug, I went around to all of my senior friends and gave them all huge hugs and high fives.  Although we were glad it was over, we will never forget it.

I think this can definitely be applied to college.  To be good at band, you have to prepare yourself a long time before the actual performance.  This is much like a big exam.  You can't just start studying 3 days before the exam, you have to prepare yourself long in advance and actually understand the material.  If you do, then you will be able to feel a big sense of accomplishment.