Yep….It’s THAT time again.
Another August is upon us, so we band heads are going through our ‘normal’ preparations and rituals. From hitting Pre-Drill practices, to giving NON band heads ample warning to what WILL NOT be done during the midst of our season, it’s a time for us to prepare, bask, and revel in one of the best times of the year for us; The beginning of HBCU BAND Season.
It’s a time of the year that doesn’t necessarily ‘compute’ to those folk that are outside of the ‘craft’, or it’s culture, but it makes perfect sense to us. We’re making plans; making moves, and looking forward to the kind of fellowship that can only come from sitting at the 50 yard line and seeing a good show, or standing in between 2 bands in the stands blowing each other’s respective scalps back to the white meat.
While we’re collectively anticipating and waiting for those first performances, It’s not hard to imagine some of the commentary that’s taking place as this 2016-17 season approaches. Some of the quotes listed below might shed a little light on some of these thought processes as the season draws closer:
“Who gone be at the Battle of the Bands Tomorrow? Where are we gone get some grub? Mane, i TOLD you (Insert Random Band Here) was gone get their wig split“– Random Band Head
“We Pushing 2 Triangles, 50 Mellos and 40 Baritones, mane. We Ready.” – Random Veteran Bandsmen
“It’s too HOT!!! Why we gotta wear this? Why we playing all this old school stuff? Can we go to Chick-A-Fila now?” – Random Freshman Bandsmen
“Why can’t you go to this wedding with me in September?! What do you MEAN you got a game to go to that Saturday?!” – Random Non-Band head Wife/Husband of Die Hard Band head
Yeah, the life of a HBCU Band head is sometimes a misunderstood one. It takes a lot of patience to appreciate and love folks that love the craft; You may not understand why you see your friend or S.O. marching around the house and ‘air blowing’ an imaginary horn like a madman. You may not get the infatuation with Youtube clips, or October homecomings. All you gotta do (as a NON-band head) is have an open mind. Check out a game with your favorite band head; Take in the scenery at a game or BOTB. Eat copious amounts of food and fellowship with folks that LOVE the craft.
Above all else, HAVE FUN!!! After all, that what those kids that suit up and wear spats on Saturdays do. Have fun, and enjoy what’s going to be ANOTHER amazing year celebrating the Spectacle, Color, and Culture of Black College Marching Bands! Welcome Back Y’all!!!