Chapter 4: Drum Wars
(Skipping ahead a week for the Homecoming game)
It was 5:45, fifteen minutes before the band had to be there, but there sat Jack waiting for the director. Marco, the Drum-Major was in the Court Jack had to be the 'assistant' drum major. Not something he wasn't looking forward to; he pushed himself beyond his limit for one thing: band. The only thing in school he was good at was percussion.
He was sitting on a swing in the elementary building (the two buildings were connected) his band uniform bag laying on the ground next to him.
Five minutes later a blue Toyota pulled into the parking lot, Ana stepped out and picked up her uniform bag and headed over to where Jack was sitting. He was fidgeting a lot. "Nervous hun?" she asked him.
"Yeah." He said to her. "This is the first time I've had to be drum major and it's Homecoming, the most important game, everyone's gonna be there savvy?" (I think it's time i threw in some pirate lingo)
She grinned, "Yeah i get it Jack. You'll do fine I just know it." He shrugged and looked up when he saw the band director's red truck pull into his spot. He stood up and picked up his bag.
"D!" He called, this was the nickname for the band director.
"Hello Jack." he said, unlocking the band room. "Ready for tonight? Or do I have to make Dylan take your place?"
Jack went wide-eyed, there was no way that the sissy-boy was going to take his place as Drum-Major, just no way. "I'll be fine D, you can count on me." he said, pulling out his drum-sticks to add emphasis.
"I know you will your a really good player kid, just do what Marco does and you'll be fine." Jack nodded 'Easy for you to say' Jack thought to himself, the Drum-Majors led the annual Drum Wars that were held at the Raiders Homecoming. This would be his third year in the Drum War but his first time leading it. The routine was easy enough for him but he was still worried.
*~*~*~*
Will pulled into the parking lot, he and Elizabeth arrived at five 'till. He saw Jack and Ana in their uniforms, Jack's band jacket was carelessly thrown over one shoulder, his beret already on. Ana's jacket was on but not buttoned, it was still too early.
More people started to arrive after Will arrived. At exactly six o'clock D blew the whistle signaling the beginning of the run through. Everyone made their way to the practice field and got ready for the run-on.
Three shrill whistles and the percussion, led by Jack onto the middle of the field. They played through Shout It Out, Cheeseburger In Paradise, and Crazy Train. Then it was Jack's turn to lead the band.
He jogged to the platform, and put his snare at the bottom of the stand. He climbed up and got ready. The platform was five feet off the ground so everyone could see him. Jack blew the whistle twice and everyone moved to where they were supposed to be, making a path through the middle.
Then it started, they were playing through Invisible by Clay Akien with Senior Matt Yeagley singing along with the band. He conducted through the entire thing, getting every sections cues to play correct and on time, it looked like he had done this forever.
*~*~*~*
The first quarter went smoothly, with the score tied 14-14, Raiders ball at the second quarter. The band would play every once in a while mostly Shout It Out, and the Raider Band Cheer. (Band's got the power bands got the beat, bands got the spirit to knock you off your feet!) The greatest thing was making fun of the cheerleaders who you couldn't hear even if you were in the front row of bleachers.
At three minutes until half time the band lined up on the side lines and got ready for the show. Matt joined them at two minutes 'till dressed in a burgundy dress shirt and black pants...the school colors. (minus the gold.) After Matt turned up the Court came and Marco went to talk to Jack.
"Hey man." He said to him, putting a comforting arm on his shoulder. "Do the drum-major proud." He smiled at Jack and he smiled back, slipping the beret back on his head, covering his highlights. The Latino joined the Homecoming Queen over in the 'throne'.
The sirens started wailing, apparently someone had scored, Jack looked up to see it was now 20-14 Raiders. The kicker, Doug DiAngelo, Kelcies brother, went up to kick. The entire crowed seemed like it was holding it's breathe, like they all forgot to breathe, and when the ball sailed over the goal the Raiders side erupted in cheers, and the band started playing their Fight Song. Soon after the kick the first half of the game was over and it was time for the Mustangs to perform.
They marched out onto the middle of the field, Jack counted ten people on his side off step, obviously they weren't as good as the Raiders who prided themselves on having an excellent band. They played Build Me Up Buttercup, Relax and Fins. The other band had good music even if they couldn't march well they sounded good.
After The Mustangs played their Alma Mater the drum major led them off the field. Next the announcer said that the Raider Marching Band was going to play. One of the Base Drummers hit their drum three times and the Percussion started out, followed out by the first row of instruments, then the second and finally the third.
D led the band through the three tunes and then it was time for the the Homecoming Court to come out. This was Jack's cue to exit. He got to the podium which had been moved to the good field and saw D handing him the conductors wand. He inhaled deeply and climbed up.
"This years Raider Homecoming Court will now take their places on the field." The announcer's voice said from the box. "We have Jack Sparrow leading the band in performing Invisible for the court, with guest singer Matt Yeagley."
Jack counted off with the baton and the band started playing softly and Matts voice joined in as the freshman attendants walked down the middle of the band, arm in arm.
~What are you doing tonight
I wish I could be a fly on your wall
Are you really alone
Still in your dreams
Why can't I bring you into my life
What would it take to make to see that I'm alive~
Matt sung as the freshman's took their place at the far end of the line.
~If I was invisible
Then I could just watch you in your room
If I was invisible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I can just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait...I already am~
The court continued to enter the line as it was now to the Junior's, Elizabeth was arm in arm with Ryan Maxwell.
~I saw your face in the crowd
I called your name
You don't hear a sound
I keep tracking your steps
Each move you make
Wish I could be what goes through your mind
Wish you could touch me with the colors of your life~
The first set of Seniors made their way into line followed by the second.
~If I was invisible
Then I could watch you in your room
If I was invisible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I can just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait...I already am~
The new King and Queen, Marco and Lily made their way up to the middle of the line where last years King and Queen were waiting for them, ready to crown them.
~I reach out
But you don't even see me
Even when I'm screaming
Baby, you don't hear me
I am nothing without you
Just a shadow passing through...~
This was sung very quietly, barely audible as the crowns were placed on the two, and the bouquet was handed to Lily. Then Matt sung the chorus one last time, louder.
~If I was invisible
Then I could watch you in your room
If I was invisible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I can just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
If I was invisible...~
Jack thankfully climbed down off the podium after directing the band back into their original positions, and then off the field. But Jack's job wasn't done yet. The percussion stayed in the middle of the field waiting for him. As he took his place a few steps in front of the rest of the percussion. The Mustang's marched up to them and the drum-majors shook hands.
"Sparrow. Since when were you ever good enough to be Drum-Major?" Jack stopped a moment and remembered that he actually knew this person, they had been friends once upon a time. Until he betrayed his trust and almost landed him in JJC.
"Barbossa." Jack spat immediately releasing his hand, but not before trying to break his fingers. He just nodded and took a step back, Jack too stepped back. "Ladies first." he said to his old friend.
*~*~*~*
Will had set his trumpet in the band stands and went over to watch the Drum War. He got close enough to hear Jack say something to the other DM. It sounded like 'Ladie's first' or something like that. Obviously there was some rivalry between the two.
The two sections started out slowly, getting a better feel of each other before it turned into an all out brawl. Neither side would give up, seeming like they would actually die if they lost. The cymbals went up to join Jack who was glaring at the other DM with an almighty hate in his chocolate eyes. The he stopped, and the other gave him a victorious smile before Jack flipped his snare around so that it was behind him and walked up to the other. He, and the other drummers walked over to the person across the line form them and began to play off their drums.
The snares and base drummers hit the drum one last time before throwing their sticks onto the drum heads, then falling to the ground. In four counts they were back in their original spots. Jack's drum was still behind him and he proceeded to pull out another set of drum sticks from a pocket in his drum holder.
Will looked at the two lines and they continued to face off, then Jack started to play backwards, hitting the drum head with a deadly accuracy as the rest of the section mimicked him, the cymbals twirling them around themselves. (You people have seen Drumline right...that's where this came from)
The Mustang line did their routine and stopped, they took off their berets and waved them like flags; they gave up. The Raiders had won. The Raider crowd erupted in cheers again as the victorious Drumline walked off the field as the game started again.
Will jogged up to Jack as he set his snare down and took off his band jacket. Third quarter was the bands free time. "Wow Jack that was awesome. You did great."
"Thanks Liam." Jack said, setting his beret and second set of drum sticks on his snare. "Let's get something to drink. I'm gonna die of thirst."
They went up to the snack bar and groaned the line was really long. Will felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned to see Elizabeth next to him, "Hey Liz." He said, pulling on one of her light brown curls. "You look ravishing." She blushed slightly.
"Jack," she started, "Awesome job I watched the Drum War. Oh, by the way, Ana is waiting over by the fence, don't worry she has food already." She had to add the last sentence so that he would actually leave.
He nodded his thanks and started to make his way over to where she had pointed out.
"Does she really have food?" Will asked Elizabeth after Jack was out of hearing distance.
She nodded, "Yes, well a lemonade from the band thing under the bleachers. If that counts."
"I think it counts. Maybe Jack won't though, he's really thirsty. He said he was gonna 'die of thirst' as he puts it."
She laughed. "Did you see the look Jack and the other DM gave each other?" She asked, he nodded in response. "I wonder what it was about, they seemed to hate each other."
"I know. It was weird"
*~*Ana*~*
"Hey Ana!" He said to me. "Liz said you wanted to talk to me?"
"Not really just wanted to congratulate you. I told you that you would be fine." I handed him the lemonade I got for him. The sirens went off, obviously we had scored again. "What's the bet we win. Maybe this year we'll go to playoffs." He raised his eyebrows, shrugging.
"I don't know," He said, finally taking his mouth away from the now empty cup. "So what are we gonna do for the rest of third quarter?"
"Jack Sparrow! I am not gonna do that at a football game!" I laughed
"I didn't mean it like THAT! Really. What kind of guy do you think I am?" He actually wanted me to answer that question? So I just shrugged.
"I don't know, what kind of guy are you?"
"Well," he said putting an arm around my waist "you'll just have to wait and see won't you?"
"I guess." I said, starting to head for the band stands. Jack grabbed my hand.
"Hold on a minute , your just gonna leave me here all by myself?" He said tilting his head to one side.
"I'm sure you can find something to entertain you." He gave me a puppy-dog pout.
"I don't wanna be all alone. I wanna stay with you." I gave him a questioning look, but he looked sincere.
"Fine. Come on." We headed back to the stands where a few people were already there, eating or otherwise. "I'm bored." I said as we got there, Jack sat down and pulled me into his lap.
"Comfy?" He asked me. I leaned back and rested my head on his shoulder, and sighed. "I'll take that as a 'yes' then?" I nodded.
We spent the rest of third quarter like this watching the game, cheering for out team, and yelling at them when the Mustangs scored. At the beginning of fourth quarter the score was Raiders 35 Mustangs 21. This was going to be a close game and a very embarrassing one if we lost.
We continued to play through the fourth quarter, songs like Crazy Train, Shout It Out and band cheers. The team seemed to do better when we played, I noticed. By the end of the game everyone had yelled themselves hoarse, myself among them. Jack had abandoned his snare in front of me, I was still sitting in his lap and I admit it felt right, very right. He was keeping me warm in the slowly chilling night air with keeping his arms around me.
With one minute until the game was over we were trailing by one point, Doug had missed the kick. We had the ball and it was fourth down. The quarterback got the ball and passed it to number 88 who ever that was, and he ran. He leaped over one of the defending side and dived at the goal line with two seconds left and landed three inches into the goal area. We had won! We started to play the fight song, but stopped as Doug made a kick, this time making it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to talk right again. I'm going to go to the dance not being able to talk at all, I had screamed more in the last ten minutes than I had in the last ten years.
Well here you guys go....the next chapter will be the dance I promise it will be up soon I've had some computer problems but mostly their gone. I hope...R/R please I'd luff you forever.
(Skipping ahead a week for the Homecoming game)
It was 5:45, fifteen minutes before the band had to be there, but there sat Jack waiting for the director. Marco, the Drum-Major was in the Court Jack had to be the 'assistant' drum major. Not something he wasn't looking forward to; he pushed himself beyond his limit for one thing: band. The only thing in school he was good at was percussion.
He was sitting on a swing in the elementary building (the two buildings were connected) his band uniform bag laying on the ground next to him.
Five minutes later a blue Toyota pulled into the parking lot, Ana stepped out and picked up her uniform bag and headed over to where Jack was sitting. He was fidgeting a lot. "Nervous hun?" she asked him.
"Yeah." He said to her. "This is the first time I've had to be drum major and it's Homecoming, the most important game, everyone's gonna be there savvy?" (I think it's time i threw in some pirate lingo)
She grinned, "Yeah i get it Jack. You'll do fine I just know it." He shrugged and looked up when he saw the band director's red truck pull into his spot. He stood up and picked up his bag.
"D!" He called, this was the nickname for the band director.
"Hello Jack." he said, unlocking the band room. "Ready for tonight? Or do I have to make Dylan take your place?"
Jack went wide-eyed, there was no way that the sissy-boy was going to take his place as Drum-Major, just no way. "I'll be fine D, you can count on me." he said, pulling out his drum-sticks to add emphasis.
"I know you will your a really good player kid, just do what Marco does and you'll be fine." Jack nodded 'Easy for you to say' Jack thought to himself, the Drum-Majors led the annual Drum Wars that were held at the Raiders Homecoming. This would be his third year in the Drum War but his first time leading it. The routine was easy enough for him but he was still worried.
*~*~*~*
Will pulled into the parking lot, he and Elizabeth arrived at five 'till. He saw Jack and Ana in their uniforms, Jack's band jacket was carelessly thrown over one shoulder, his beret already on. Ana's jacket was on but not buttoned, it was still too early.
More people started to arrive after Will arrived. At exactly six o'clock D blew the whistle signaling the beginning of the run through. Everyone made their way to the practice field and got ready for the run-on.
Three shrill whistles and the percussion, led by Jack onto the middle of the field. They played through Shout It Out, Cheeseburger In Paradise, and Crazy Train. Then it was Jack's turn to lead the band.
He jogged to the platform, and put his snare at the bottom of the stand. He climbed up and got ready. The platform was five feet off the ground so everyone could see him. Jack blew the whistle twice and everyone moved to where they were supposed to be, making a path through the middle.
Then it started, they were playing through Invisible by Clay Akien with Senior Matt Yeagley singing along with the band. He conducted through the entire thing, getting every sections cues to play correct and on time, it looked like he had done this forever.
*~*~*~*
The first quarter went smoothly, with the score tied 14-14, Raiders ball at the second quarter. The band would play every once in a while mostly Shout It Out, and the Raider Band Cheer. (Band's got the power bands got the beat, bands got the spirit to knock you off your feet!) The greatest thing was making fun of the cheerleaders who you couldn't hear even if you were in the front row of bleachers.
At three minutes until half time the band lined up on the side lines and got ready for the show. Matt joined them at two minutes 'till dressed in a burgundy dress shirt and black pants...the school colors. (minus the gold.) After Matt turned up the Court came and Marco went to talk to Jack.
"Hey man." He said to him, putting a comforting arm on his shoulder. "Do the drum-major proud." He smiled at Jack and he smiled back, slipping the beret back on his head, covering his highlights. The Latino joined the Homecoming Queen over in the 'throne'.
The sirens started wailing, apparently someone had scored, Jack looked up to see it was now 20-14 Raiders. The kicker, Doug DiAngelo, Kelcies brother, went up to kick. The entire crowed seemed like it was holding it's breathe, like they all forgot to breathe, and when the ball sailed over the goal the Raiders side erupted in cheers, and the band started playing their Fight Song. Soon after the kick the first half of the game was over and it was time for the Mustangs to perform.
They marched out onto the middle of the field, Jack counted ten people on his side off step, obviously they weren't as good as the Raiders who prided themselves on having an excellent band. They played Build Me Up Buttercup, Relax and Fins. The other band had good music even if they couldn't march well they sounded good.
After The Mustangs played their Alma Mater the drum major led them off the field. Next the announcer said that the Raider Marching Band was going to play. One of the Base Drummers hit their drum three times and the Percussion started out, followed out by the first row of instruments, then the second and finally the third.
D led the band through the three tunes and then it was time for the the Homecoming Court to come out. This was Jack's cue to exit. He got to the podium which had been moved to the good field and saw D handing him the conductors wand. He inhaled deeply and climbed up.
"This years Raider Homecoming Court will now take their places on the field." The announcer's voice said from the box. "We have Jack Sparrow leading the band in performing Invisible for the court, with guest singer Matt Yeagley."
Jack counted off with the baton and the band started playing softly and Matts voice joined in as the freshman attendants walked down the middle of the band, arm in arm.
~What are you doing tonight
I wish I could be a fly on your wall
Are you really alone
Still in your dreams
Why can't I bring you into my life
What would it take to make to see that I'm alive~
Matt sung as the freshman's took their place at the far end of the line.
~If I was invisible
Then I could just watch you in your room
If I was invisible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I can just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait...I already am~
The court continued to enter the line as it was now to the Junior's, Elizabeth was arm in arm with Ryan Maxwell.
~I saw your face in the crowd
I called your name
You don't hear a sound
I keep tracking your steps
Each move you make
Wish I could be what goes through your mind
Wish you could touch me with the colors of your life~
The first set of Seniors made their way into line followed by the second.
~If I was invisible
Then I could watch you in your room
If I was invisible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I can just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait...I already am~
The new King and Queen, Marco and Lily made their way up to the middle of the line where last years King and Queen were waiting for them, ready to crown them.
~I reach out
But you don't even see me
Even when I'm screaming
Baby, you don't hear me
I am nothing without you
Just a shadow passing through...~
This was sung very quietly, barely audible as the crowns were placed on the two, and the bouquet was handed to Lily. Then Matt sung the chorus one last time, louder.
~If I was invisible
Then I could watch you in your room
If I was invisible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I can just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
If I was invisible...~
Jack thankfully climbed down off the podium after directing the band back into their original positions, and then off the field. But Jack's job wasn't done yet. The percussion stayed in the middle of the field waiting for him. As he took his place a few steps in front of the rest of the percussion. The Mustang's marched up to them and the drum-majors shook hands.
"Sparrow. Since when were you ever good enough to be Drum-Major?" Jack stopped a moment and remembered that he actually knew this person, they had been friends once upon a time. Until he betrayed his trust and almost landed him in JJC.
"Barbossa." Jack spat immediately releasing his hand, but not before trying to break his fingers. He just nodded and took a step back, Jack too stepped back. "Ladies first." he said to his old friend.
*~*~*~*
Will had set his trumpet in the band stands and went over to watch the Drum War. He got close enough to hear Jack say something to the other DM. It sounded like 'Ladie's first' or something like that. Obviously there was some rivalry between the two.
The two sections started out slowly, getting a better feel of each other before it turned into an all out brawl. Neither side would give up, seeming like they would actually die if they lost. The cymbals went up to join Jack who was glaring at the other DM with an almighty hate in his chocolate eyes. The he stopped, and the other gave him a victorious smile before Jack flipped his snare around so that it was behind him and walked up to the other. He, and the other drummers walked over to the person across the line form them and began to play off their drums.
The snares and base drummers hit the drum one last time before throwing their sticks onto the drum heads, then falling to the ground. In four counts they were back in their original spots. Jack's drum was still behind him and he proceeded to pull out another set of drum sticks from a pocket in his drum holder.
Will looked at the two lines and they continued to face off, then Jack started to play backwards, hitting the drum head with a deadly accuracy as the rest of the section mimicked him, the cymbals twirling them around themselves. (You people have seen Drumline right...that's where this came from)
The Mustang line did their routine and stopped, they took off their berets and waved them like flags; they gave up. The Raiders had won. The Raider crowd erupted in cheers again as the victorious Drumline walked off the field as the game started again.
Will jogged up to Jack as he set his snare down and took off his band jacket. Third quarter was the bands free time. "Wow Jack that was awesome. You did great."
"Thanks Liam." Jack said, setting his beret and second set of drum sticks on his snare. "Let's get something to drink. I'm gonna die of thirst."
They went up to the snack bar and groaned the line was really long. Will felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned to see Elizabeth next to him, "Hey Liz." He said, pulling on one of her light brown curls. "You look ravishing." She blushed slightly.
"Jack," she started, "Awesome job I watched the Drum War. Oh, by the way, Ana is waiting over by the fence, don't worry she has food already." She had to add the last sentence so that he would actually leave.
He nodded his thanks and started to make his way over to where she had pointed out.
"Does she really have food?" Will asked Elizabeth after Jack was out of hearing distance.
She nodded, "Yes, well a lemonade from the band thing under the bleachers. If that counts."
"I think it counts. Maybe Jack won't though, he's really thirsty. He said he was gonna 'die of thirst' as he puts it."
She laughed. "Did you see the look Jack and the other DM gave each other?" She asked, he nodded in response. "I wonder what it was about, they seemed to hate each other."
"I know. It was weird"
*~*Ana*~*
"Hey Ana!" He said to me. "Liz said you wanted to talk to me?"
"Not really just wanted to congratulate you. I told you that you would be fine." I handed him the lemonade I got for him. The sirens went off, obviously we had scored again. "What's the bet we win. Maybe this year we'll go to playoffs." He raised his eyebrows, shrugging.
"I don't know," He said, finally taking his mouth away from the now empty cup. "So what are we gonna do for the rest of third quarter?"
"Jack Sparrow! I am not gonna do that at a football game!" I laughed
"I didn't mean it like THAT! Really. What kind of guy do you think I am?" He actually wanted me to answer that question? So I just shrugged.
"I don't know, what kind of guy are you?"
"Well," he said putting an arm around my waist "you'll just have to wait and see won't you?"
"I guess." I said, starting to head for the band stands. Jack grabbed my hand.
"Hold on a minute , your just gonna leave me here all by myself?" He said tilting his head to one side.
"I'm sure you can find something to entertain you." He gave me a puppy-dog pout.
"I don't wanna be all alone. I wanna stay with you." I gave him a questioning look, but he looked sincere.
"Fine. Come on." We headed back to the stands where a few people were already there, eating or otherwise. "I'm bored." I said as we got there, Jack sat down and pulled me into his lap.
"Comfy?" He asked me. I leaned back and rested my head on his shoulder, and sighed. "I'll take that as a 'yes' then?" I nodded.
We spent the rest of third quarter like this watching the game, cheering for out team, and yelling at them when the Mustangs scored. At the beginning of fourth quarter the score was Raiders 35 Mustangs 21. This was going to be a close game and a very embarrassing one if we lost.
We continued to play through the fourth quarter, songs like Crazy Train, Shout It Out and band cheers. The team seemed to do better when we played, I noticed. By the end of the game everyone had yelled themselves hoarse, myself among them. Jack had abandoned his snare in front of me, I was still sitting in his lap and I admit it felt right, very right. He was keeping me warm in the slowly chilling night air with keeping his arms around me.
With one minute until the game was over we were trailing by one point, Doug had missed the kick. We had the ball and it was fourth down. The quarterback got the ball and passed it to number 88 who ever that was, and he ran. He leaped over one of the defending side and dived at the goal line with two seconds left and landed three inches into the goal area. We had won! We started to play the fight song, but stopped as Doug made a kick, this time making it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to talk right again. I'm going to go to the dance not being able to talk at all, I had screamed more in the last ten minutes than I had in the last ten years.
Well here you guys go....the next chapter will be the dance I promise it will be up soon I've had some computer problems but mostly their gone. I hope...R/R please I'd luff you forever.