Patio Pondering: Not for Fame or Fortune

This morning’s a bit different. I do not usually write my Patio Ponderings on a Sunday, and every one of the 259 before this came from a workday morning. But the snow that fell overnight, and this third or maybe fourth cup of coffee, have my thoughts bubbling over. Pondering on yesterday’s Indiana State Marching Band Finals stirred up more than just pride for my son’s band. It reminded me how many people work behind the scenes to make those moments happen.

Leo Jr./Sr. High School, where my son plays, made its first finals appearance in fourteen years and placed sixth in Class C. Our neighbors at Woodlan finished seventh in Class D. Both bands had incredible seasons, and seeing all the smiles, hugs, and proud posts from students, parents, directors, and even school administrators warmed this snowy morning.

But as I sat here gazing at the snow-covered landscape, my thoughts didn’t stay on the performers or the trophies. They turned to the people behind the scenes, the ones pushing carts of accessories, running cords for microphones, pulling wagons laden with water bottles, ensuring each prop is placed just right on the field, and making sure every show runs like it should. You see them in their color-coordinated pants and shirts proudly emblazoned with “Pit Crew.” They’re the unsung heroes, the quiet engine that keeps the band moving from one field to the next.

I’m not one of those volunteers. My CDL-exempt farmer’s license does not stretch to a band semi, so we support in other ways. But I have watched those parents work, the same faces, week after week, in the dark, in the rain, in the two-minute set-up rush between performances, steady as can be.

There is a line from an old Alabama song from my youth that fits them perfectly: “Not for fame or fortune do they strive.” These folks don’t do it for applause or recognition. They do it for love, for their kids, for my kid, for their school, and for the joy of seeing all the months of hard work by the director, students, and band staff come alive under the lights.

Mike Rowe made a career celebrating people who do the hard, unseen jobs that keep our world and schools running, the custodians, secretaries, lunch ladies, and bus drivers who make sure each school day is ready for educational excellence. Band parents fit right in that group. On any given Friday night or Saturday morning, you’ll find them out there pushing props across the turf, dropping cords in the cold, and making sure the spotlight shines on someone else.

So here’s to them, the behind-the-scenes, cart puller, prop puter-upper, water-carrying, cheer-leading parent volunteers who make the magic happen. The band may bring the music and the flash, but the heartbeat behind it belongs to you. My hat is off to you, every one of you!