Drill team is defined as many different things by different people! Here is a list of things that everyone who was in drill team, was on drill team, or who has been in band and understands the drill team will understand.
1. Band camp was beyond hot
Dancing and dancing in 80+ degree weather can be miserable wearing the same gross, sweaty practice attire.
2. You were never really taught how to read charts
The band director looks at you like you should know what you are doing but really learning charts is like learning to play a bethoven song on piano in a day...pretty impossible.
3. Usually coach only notices the bad and not the good
The hard honest truth of looking for the bad instead of appreciating the good. But in reality its hard when 10+ people are dancing and one person messed up. It makes everything and everyone look bad.
4. If one person doesn't kick, the routine starts again
If one person messes up, everyone messed up and MUST start over.
5. It's never "One more time!"
When coach says one more time she usually means 3 or 4 more times, sometimes 10.
6. You're in band but not "in band"
People say the girls aren't in band because they don't play instruments, also the band director usually doesn't even acknowledge drill teams to be a part of band
7. You're flag is an actual weapon
Bruises, cuts, the ability to throw that thing and hurt people from feet away is a great an scary power
8. Being performance ready...all the time
Because we don't have an instrument in our mouth we are expected to smile...ALL...THE...TIME.
9. The cold is not our friend
Wearing no sleeves, no gloves, and no pants in 50 below weather is an actual nightmare
10. Drill drama is the worst drama
Who is dating who in band? Which side the bag needs to be on your shoulder? What type of position your hand is in?
11. You know how to share
Sharing a bathroom, sharing hair ties and hairspray, and the most fun sharing secrets
12. It's sad when someone takes "your" equipment
some one just took the flag that spins just right for you or took the pom that shimmers and shakes the best. Heaven help the rookie that grabs it by mistake.
13. Muscles for days
Leg muscles from dance, and arm muscles from flag. Who needs to go to the actual gym?
14. Telling people you're in band and being asked, "so what do you play?"
NOTHING! I'M STILL IMPORTANT!
15. You get into the football games for free
Getting to cheer on your team from the closest seats and right next to the scoreboard is a great plus!
16. You make the best friends that can last a Lifetime
At the end of the day, you love it, and you probably always will. It sounds silly to outsiders, but guard teaches you life lessons, like discipline and time management, not to mention how to tell left from right. But guard will always have a special place in your heart because there's no other place where you can whip it, strip it, and flip it in public. Having people that share your same passion is probably one of the greatest things about being a part of this type of team.
