My 5 Years as a Marching Band Nerd | oh hey, friday link up

I debated on which Indiana State Fair life I should share with you today, in honor of the great event’s opening day. Should I tell you about my 4-H days in which NONE of my projects ever made it to the State Fair? Or about my life as the Publicity & Media Relations Intern for the 2009 Indiana State Fair, also known as the 17-day marathon fueled by fried deliciousness?

No, instead I will tell you about the part of the Fair that allowed me to wear drag makeup in the cow barn. Today I give to you my five years as the Color Guard Captain of the Southmont Royal Mountie Band & Guard. True life: I’m a band nerd.

Brace yourself. This is a total #flashbackfriday straight from my high school scrapbook, and guard fashion is not for the faint of heart.

Also, can I get a “what, what!” for the Mountie Band who tomorrow will make their first appearance at Band Day since 2010?! I’m so stoked. Best of luck, band!

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1 | The Rising Sun (2001) – 7th place

Is it just a little sad that when you look at the above photo, 13 years later, I can still tell you which one is me?

I was about to start my 8th grade year when I decided to join the high school band. That wasn’t a stretch, since I played the clarinet, but I joined the color guard… with zero previous dance experience.

To make matters worse? I was named the Captain. Of the varsity guard. At approximately 13 years old. Let me tell you how much the seniors liked me…

Not at all.

But at least I was stylish in my full-on geisha make up. No?

 

2 | The Light Eternal (2002) – 10th place, Small Band Guard – 1st place

This show had a military story line, and I wore camo face paint and cargos.

Hawt.

My favorite part of this show, to this day, is Southmont’s world-class baton twirler’s ending solo. Spinning a flag is one thing, but to me a baton is magical. Bri, if you’re reading this, you were incredible.

Also, I was one of four ladies in charge of marching an actual American flag off the field. I remember one of us accidentally dropping a corner during practice, and fearing for our lives afterward. Military stuff is no joke.

We did something right, though. They gave us a plaque. 😉

 

3 | Tribal Chant & Ritual (2003) – 5th place

2003 was my first show post-spinal surgery, and I was only allowed a swing flag solo… of which I have no photos of.

But I got to dress up like an Indian princess in the 100* heat. That was kind of cool.

 

4 | Ancient Ritual Celtic Journey (2004) – 8th place, Small Band Guard – 1st place

This show probably qualifies as my favorite. There were giant “rocks” (made by my parents), we did a rockin’ tribal dance, spun giant sticks and banged some bass drums.

Was it not the fabulous Bonny who broke the drum at night show? Beast mode.

They gave us another plaque for that.

As for the fashion? We wore green velvet unitards and had airbrushed face tattoos. The boys were so jealous of our fabulousness, they got some too.

 

 

5 | The Enchanted Forest (2005) – 5th place, Overall Guard – 1st place

Oh, my senior year.

The above photo is of the ending flag feature. During night show, my last marching band performance, I remember holding my pose through tears – watching the thousands of people cheer from the grandstands.

Moments like that made the blood, sweat and tears so worth it.

We worked hard that year, in memory of one of our own who was watching from above. We finished 5th (a major accomplishment), and they gave us a really big guard plaque because we were the best there was… of any band size.

Also, green velvet unitards made a re-appearance as a cropped pant. And we added some fake flowers.

Class of 2006? We rocked it. Lots of Monster was consumed, and many memories were made.

And that’s what we call a blast from the past, my friends.