Just Rigby - A Marching Band Story

The Announcement

That's it, I can't do this. I'm leaving now...

Tap. Tap. Tap. The sound snaps me out of it. It's a conductor's baton being tapped on the music stand at the front of the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Z says from the podium, calling everyone's attention to the front. "Before we get started I've got a few announcements to make."

The din of the room dies down as each section settles down. Instruments are resting in laps and eyes are forward now.

"First of all, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone in this room today for all your hard work."

Focus on Mr. Z, Rigs. Focus.

I can feel my heartbeat slowing down. The world around me begins to stop swirling. Mr. Z's voice has a calming, in-control effect on me.

"...last week was a great start," He continues. "I'm excited about this morning's work on the field. We're making great progress. After lunch today, we'll head back out and hit it hard some more."

Everyone shuffles in their seats. The band seems to kind of buzz for a few seconds as people make comments to the person next to them.

"Listen up." His voice commands respect.

You can tell just by listening to him that he loves doing this. He loves the kids, the music, and the half time show.

"I want to have all four songs plus the percussion feature on the field by Friday and you guys are working hard to make that happen. Great job, everybody."

The band erupts into a chaotic clamor as everyone shares their reactions with the person next to them. With over one hundred people in our band, Mr. Z has learned to allow a few seconds of these outbursts before he tightens the line back up.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Mr. Z reels everyone back in again and it hits me that I feel normal. I am feeling normal right now.

Thank you, Mr. Z.

As the room falls silent again, he is about to say something but he pauses for a second. He's gathering his thoughts. It takes longer than usual.

"Folks, I've got a hard announcement to make right now." He's rubbing his temples as if he has a headache. "Ellis, would you please join me up here."

Ellis walks slowly but confidently up to the front. He looks strangely unhappy. Too serious. Something is up.

I look over at Chewie across the room. He shrugs his shoulders and mouths the words, "I don't have a clue."

"This weekend we got word that Ellis and his family are moving across the country. His dad got a new job. Sometimes things like this come out of nowhere. Although it will be a new adventure for him, we're sure going to miss him."

Ellis looks like he's fighting back tears, but he holds it together. He nods silently.

"Because this is so sudden, and something we weren't really prepared for, it is really a shock." Mr. Z is visibly upset, but trying to keep things smooth for the band.

I wonder if he knew this morning when I showed up late. Of course. He had to have known. Maybe that's why he didn't look up from the drill clipboard.

"So, as you all know, this leaves us with very big shoes to fill. We'll need to pass the torch on to a new drum major. Ellis will be with us through this week and then he and his family will be on a plane to the West Coast."

The room is totally silent except for the sound of rain on the roof.

I'm stunned. I don't know what to think. I guess I'll never get to know Ellis as well as I thought I might could have. But even more so, it begins to hit me that the drum major position is now open.

Holy tryouts, Batman!

As Mr. Z continues to explain the details, my mind is a blur. A tryout for replacement drum major will be held this coming Friday. That's four days from now.

FOUR DAYS, PEOPLE!

There's a small part of me leaping for joy. This is my chance. I can do this. It's time to step up and make mom proud. This is the opportunity I've been waiting for.

No. There is absolutely no way.

And then she shows up. The other part of me, the sad and dark part. The one that speaks loudest most of the time. Who am I kidding? Taura is a shoe-in for drum major. Why do we even need to have tryouts. Why am I even getting my hopes up?

I'm sitting silently. I'm overwhelmed and speechless. I feel like I've just been hit by a ton of bricks. Why is life so unfair? I just wanted a year where I could exist in band without Taura being the actual drum major. I can't even imagine how bad it's going to be when she's drum major. And that is going to start a lot sooner than I had hoped.

***

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