The time has come.

A sea of green and white lays before me. 

My pulse is rushing but I have to remember to breath. 

In.. two.. three... four...

Out... two... three... four...

I close my eyes to calm my nerves. 

The cold brass in my hand keeps me grounded. 

I go through the movements. 

We've gone through this practice a hundred times.

But this is no practice. This is the real thing. 

We march out in unison. It is time. 

"Drum majors, is your band ready?... You may now begin."