When U.S.C. Plays U.C.L.A., They Play Too

Even my deep, own investment decision in U.C.L.A.’s rivalry with the University of Southern California has settled down. Before this summer season, I invested some time on enemy territory, at the U.S.C. campus, chatting to the marching band college students through band camp and hanging out with them all through a video game at the Coliseum. It was quite familiar, even though the shade plan was distinct.

Marching band lives on in my lifestyle by way of the people I satisfied together the way. In each and every town I have lived in due to the fact graduating from college or university, marching band men and women have been the main of my good friend team. They’ve been my worldwide journey partners, my roommates and the most important motive for the bulk of my wedding day travel.

When you are actively playing in the band at a significant sport, some component of you is aware of, logically, that no one particular is there to see you. Sure, the band has supporters, but it commonly performs for the duration of breaks from the key sporting attraction. We engage in for drunk tailgaters when they take in lunch. We execute the pregame exhibit when sports activities enthusiasts make their way to their seats. The fifty percent time demonstrate comes about when the Tv networks cut to investigation and supporters hold out in meals and restroom traces. Most men and women really don’t stick all around for the postgame show. But that is O.K. The football aspect in no way mattered substantially to me, in any case.