The Top SEC Drumlines: Going to Battle with the Bands
February 27, 2010
While my friends were busying themselves with other sorts of pre-game festivities, I had something else in mind.
At the time, I felt a slight sense of the college football geek-dom I’d eventually settle into creeping in.
But that would only last until I got to the Florida Book Store on the University of Florida campus.
I can remember vividly, making my way there hours before kickoff, just to get close to the Gator Marching band, The Pride of the Sunshine, as they lined up to march to Florida Field.
It’s no wonder that for centuries, bands have inspired warriors going into battle.
While the wars of football don’t compare with the real thing (thankfully!), hearing your team’s band perform, really does get the excitement going.
Because, you see, there’s nothing like SEC football. And I’m not simply talking about all the talking.
I’m talking about how it got into my soul as a young man; grabbing hold of me with a grip that refuses to let go to this day.
And the music of the band played an integral part of that upbringing.
Being from New Jersey, I grew up with the New York Yankees in my blood.
But something happened along the way too.
As I’ve noted in other pieces I’ve written, fate intervened and launched me into a lifelong love affair with the Florida Gators.
Please don’t misunderstand this latest effort: it’s not Gator tribute piece.
My intention is for this to be for all fans of college football, especially those of us who claim an SEC school as one of our own.
I’ve included some clips of SEC bands in an attempt to capture the feeling that goes along with the games.
And I’ve purposely avoided using edited clips in this slide show, opting instead for those videos made by fans just like you and me.
Thanks to all of you for checking this out. I hope you enjoy it.
Gives me chills to this day.
