Octoberform

I had meant to get this out eariler, but was distracted. A shame for you deserved to know about this earlier. Perhaps some of you will decide to go tomorrow.

In high school band we had a phrase for what was needed to perform at the state championships, Octoberform. We needed to be perfect or as close to perfect as possible so that we could win state at the HoosierDome (yes it was still the HoosierDome at the time). For us it started in the hot muggy days of July. Band camp consisted of two-a-days in the morning/afternoon and the evening when things cooled down. When classes started up in August you had band class during the day to work on the music and the last class period of the day was marching band where we were outside working on the drill. The ability to play difficult music perfectly, hit a physical spot on the field at a certain time, and not collide with each other is a very difficult one to master and those who feel it is easy have obviously never tried it.

We sacrificed so much time, many weekends were contests throughout the state. Many a Friday night were home football games, and all the class time during the week. While many think of the gladiators of the gridiron encased in plastic armor, few realize that same drive is in the other people who take the football field at halftime. We wanted to be the best we could be, we wanted to be the best of them all. We wanted to be in Octoberform so that an announcer would proclaim through the muddy speakers of the dome that you were the state champions as everyone was on the field.

Tomorrow the marching band state championships begin at the RCADome. There are four classes of band based on school size. There are ten bands in each classes. One champion in every class. For those who win you will see that being the champion of moving music means just as much to them as it is for those who toss a football, or dunk a basketball. You should never underestimate the desire and sense of accomplishment of those musicians, athletes of an artistic nature.

Upstairs is a purple jacket that I will never get rid of though I'll never fit in it again. It has two patches sewn onto the sleeves. Those patches are in the shape of Indiana and say on them "Class A State Champions" and the year. I have accomplished much in my life. I have many things to be proud of, yet those two nights hold a special place in my heart. For two nights I, and 300 of my companions, were the best of the best. We were in Octoberform and champions.

The uniforms have changed. The styles of music and drill have changed. The children have definately changed over the years. The drive is still the same though. To all those competing tomorrow good luck, and on a personal note: GO YOU MARCHING GIANTS!