Take a Deep Breath and March.

Enthusiastic... anxious... worried... stressed... invigorated... nervous... excited... calm...

One even described it as "...feeling very nervous but calm at the same time... knowing you have one shot to either make it great, or make it bad is an extremely weird but cool feeling."

This is how some members of the Bridge City Marching Band described their feelings before performing at a marching contest during a state qualifying year.

When it comes to performing on Friday nights at football games, the audience is all your people, it is a little more "laid back".. your family, friends and acquaintances that are there to support you. No judging, no recordings.

When it's a contest day, it's dead silent. You only have so long to get on the field, set up, perform and get back off. You get the clapping and cheering, yes! But, you have to really focus on your music, where you go next in the next set, make sure you're feet are marching correctly when you move, play that decrescendo or the crescendo in the right spot.

Is my hat on securely? What about my gauntlets? Did I make sure my reed isn't chipped somewhere? Did I blow warm air through my instrument so the key doesn't change when I play from it being cooler? Is the sound system on? The mic is set up and powered on? Did I bring an extra pair of drumsticks in case mine break? Did I get our forms for the band so they can perform?

There are so many questions running through the directors minds, the kids minds and even the parents minds!

So many things go on before a contest show, you wouldn't believe how truly stressful it could get! Have you ever thought about any of these things? I had not until I became a band director's wife.

As a wife, you feel what your husband is feeling too, when he's in a stressful mood, I can feel that with him. I want him to be just as successful as I am! As a band director wife, I feel how the kids are feeling before a show, I just don't show it! Those feelings I described at the beginning, those are feelings I feel too. Mostly anxious, because I just want them to always do their best and leave it on the field.

I know I am not a director or a student, but when you've been apart of such an amazing program as this one, you become a family. That's what the Bridge City Band is!

A family.

A family who has practiced in the most bizarre conditions this year, a family who has risen together throughout the season. Rain, shine, mud or dust this band has been through it all. Sticking together and working when mistakes are made to fix it and move on to the next. Waited patiently for their new uniforms to arrive and getting so much recognition just for how awesome they look! Traveling to other locations just to get some good rehearsal time in, which I know the directors and kiddos are so grateful for! They. Have. Been. Through. It. All.

This band has become so important to me, it holds such a special place in my heart. The kids and directors are all amazing people and they always make me feel proud in whatever they do.

To the directors:

I will you all the best. Take a deep breath. Look back at how far you've come this season! Y'all have done such an amazing job whipping this band into the shape it is in. I could not be more excited for you guys and how this show has come together. I wish you all the best of luck tomorrow at Area tomorrow afternoon, I know these kids will show you all how hard they have worked on this show!

& Connor, you know that no matter what, I am always so proud of you and how hard you work to get these kids to their best. I love you so much!

To the band and colorguard:

Wow. I am so incredibly impressed with all the hard work you have all put into this show. You all have blown me away each performance. From the visuals, to the music I am always amazed with how it turns out each run through.

I ask of you just one thing, go out there and show them that Bridge City is HERE AND READY. No fear, no anxiousness. You all have this down, you've been practicing so hard since July 18th. It all comes down to this moment, this time. YOUR TIME to SHINE. I could not be more proud of all of your accomplishments and how far you all have come as musicians and dancers! Go out there and show them you are ready for this, and give them your best performance yet. Don't be discouraged.

"Cast all of your anxiety on him, because HE cares for you." 1 Peter 1:7

I love each and everyone of you band kids, y'all are all truly amazing people and will do great things in this band. It's truly the best family to be apart of! You can make this performance great and come off that field feeling good. Take that and march with it!

Take a deep breath. Don't give up. Perform you best! YOU'VE GOT THIS.

Wishing the Mighty Cardinal Band the BEST OF LUCK tomorrow at the Area Marching Contest at Lobo Stadium in Longview. I know you're going to do awesome!

Sincerely,

Momma B-Ross

The Band Director Wife