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Martha Phillips
Mrs. Roe
AP Language and Composition
17 October 2013
Music of the Night
The autumn air has a crisp chill. The smell of cheese fries and pizza wafts through the
crowd with its heavenly aroma enticing the appetites of all who have gathered for the evening's
event. The Friday night lights shine brightly, highlighting the 100 yard immaculately groomed
football field and its current attraction, the undefeated blue and white Abington Heights Comets.
It is with excitement and a little apprehension that the crowd watches the relentless back and
forth between the hulking face-masked players. Two of the four quarters fly by in what seems
only seconds. The scoreboard releases a loud buzz, signaling half time. The crowd has a chance
to relax from the game's intensity. Reflections begin about controversial plays, and bickering
breaks out among diehard fans regarding the fairness of the referees. As the football players
meander off the field, the Abington Heights Marching Comets quickly and quietly line up with
perfection at the goal line. The audience doesn't yet know that this is Friday night's true
attraction, ready to give a one-two knockout performance, stunning all who watch.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the 2013 Marching Comets!” the announcer bellows over the
feedback from the loud speaker.
A mild applause drifts from the audience, their enthusiasm weaker than a class of high
school students during first period. That's okay, we haven't impressed them yet. They are not
aware of the musical power our band possesses, but that is about to change!
The drum line's cadence begins and we're off, marching onto the field in our military
style navy blue and white uniforms, straight lines all around. The feathers on our plumes ruffle
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gently in the wind as we skillfully roll step with precision over the field lines. The bright lights
illuminate the silver brim of our hats giving a regal appearance that catches the attention of the
crowd. The three drum majors strut proudly in front, staking temporary claim to the stage that
now belongs to the Abington Heights Marching Comets. It's show time.
The crowd has become silent. The anticipation between us is palpable, but this is not a
time for distractions. The lead drum major raises his arms and snaps out the beat. Like
clockwork, we raise our instruments in unison. With a thunderous burst of musical energy, our
band begins its show, a rock opera featuring the music of Queen, Journey, and The Phantom of
the Opera. The rhythmic beat of the percussion instruments infectiously takes hold of the crowd.
They immediately begin to clap and bleacher stomp to We Will Rock You. The loud bossy brass
section strategically placed on the opposite side of the field from the melodic woodwinds have
their own back and forth rock and roll battle, leaving the crowd to internally debate their favorite
sound. The momentum has been quick to crescendo. Our well-oiled machine flawlessly
transitions through the difficult, yet beautiful choreography, visually stunning our intended
target. Our notes are loud and proud, enveloping the stadium and capturing the complete
attention of the audience.
Before we know it, the opening set ends. Cheering and applause erupts from the
bleachers, but is abruptly cut off by the ensuing ballad of Music of the Night. Our machine
slows, but the music remains in full force, saturating the stadium with the haunting sounds of the
Phantom Ballad. Minds are taken on a musical journey, leaving little room for any thoughts of
the football game that had all their attention just ten minutes before. The crowd is awestruck by
our performance and gives a roaring standing ovation at the finale. The music has won! Of
course the football team will be back to fill their contractual obligations of a second half, but
deep down, the Marching Comets have stuck a chord that will long resonate in the minds of this
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crowd until the next time the Friday night lights illuminate the field.