The final half-time performance through the lens of senior drum major Allison McCall.
Friday Night Lights make my heart swell – they always have. There’s something about seeing my peers, mentors, and best friends cheer each other on that makes the world seem brighter. While my role doesn’t involve tackling or stunting or making headlines, it’s still special.
As a drum major for the Pure Gold Band, I’ve stepped onto my podium hundreds of times. But this time was different. It was Senior Night, and beneath my racing heart and focus was an awareness that I would never experience something like this again. Technically, the drum major’s job is to conduct – to keep time steady and the tempo consistent. But after three years in the role, I’ve learned leadership has much less to do with conducting technique and much more to do with heart.
As I stepped onto the podium for our Senior Night performance, I was filled with deep gratitude. The announcer’s voice echoed across the stadium: “Drum majors, you may now, for the last time, begin your halftime performance.”
Looking onto the field, I didn’t see a sea of performers. I saw Elaina, the senior who had been with me since day one in our beginner music class. I saw Alex, the junior who greets me with a smile every day in the hallways. I saw Khloe, the freshman who had found her best friends in band. I saw unity. I saw pride.
I stepped off my podium with a tear rolling down my cheek. I had never seen my band so proud of what we had created—not just an impressive show, but a legacy of family. And that’s more powerful than any trophy. After the performance a parent stopped me and said, “You have so many big things ahead of you.” “I know,” I said, wiping my tear. “But this… this was big.”
If you had told 8th-grade me that I’d not only stick with band for four years but also lead it, I would’ve never believed you. I was blinded by the stereotype that band was “weird.” But I slowly learned worrying about what’s “cool” or “uncool” is a waste of time—especially when society is often wrong. You know what’s cool? Being part of a group that lifts you up, cheers you on, and loves you deeply. You know what’s cool? The Pure Gold Marching Band.
It’s been a gift to be surrounded by remarkable people who created remarkable art. Pure Gold is our legacy. It always will be. And I will forever be proud to have been a part of it.
By Allison McCall
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