The six of us sat down among the other Frost marchers and waited for scores. The scene had not changed much since that afternoon. The drum majors were lined up on the track and all the band members sat breathlessly, waiting for results. I looked down at my uniform and ran my fingers across the gold buttons. Whatever happened was going to happen for the best. We were finally a band. We were finally a family. I had found my true friends, something to believe in, and even a boy's hand to hold. I had found….

"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's voice thundered over the loud speaker for the last time that night, "Bands of America would like to congratulate all the bands who performed this evening. You are all wonderful musicians and your support in this program helps us ensure that music programs stay alive across the country. Without further ado we would like to begin the award ceremony for finals of the 2004 regional competition at Rutgers University."

You could almost hear the band members take in a deep breath of the October air. Tenth and ninth place were gone to two small bands in an instant.

"Eighth place with a score of 65.36 goes to George Washington High School."

Ryan and I exchanged confused looks. George Washington High School was called before us? As the cheers of the GW band students calmed down and the drum major returned to his line, seventh place was announced.

"Seventh place with a score of 65.36 goes to Frost High School beating Washington due to a higher general effect score."

There was a deathly silence as Andrew saluted and marched across the track to receive the award. We just beat George Washington High School. Was that even allowed in the band geek rule book? We just beat George Washington High School. Andrew took the trophy and shook the hands of the judges. We just beat George Washington High School. Andrew held the trophy high above his head for all of Frost to see with a huge grin on his face. We just beat George Washington High School. The entire Frost Marching Band leaped into the air, cheering loudly enough for the football team back home to hear us.

Andrew returned to his spot in the drum major line and placed the trophy in front of him. The cheers were brought to an end and other placements were announced. None of that mattered though. Andrew was still grinning and many seniors had started to cry. My heart was still pounding as fourth placed was announced. Ryan held me in his arms as if he was afraid he would float away if he wasn't holding on to something.

"Third place with a score of 72.67 goes to Stonecroft High School."

"What?!" yelled Jimmy, "They had a tree!"

"Second place with a score of 73.01 goes to Locke High School."

"Wow, that's really close," I commented.

"First place with a score of 73.99 goes to Robinson High School."

"Who's Robinson? Did they have a tree?" Lola asked.

I watched the Robinson drum major receive the award and the band cheer very loudly. It was a small band that had performed very early. They had a nature show with lots of trees. It wasn't my favorite show of the evening but the marching was spectacular and the music was very challenging but performed with perfection. I could see how they had won. As the band members began to leave the stadium the announcer spoke one last time.

"Congratulations to all the bands! We would like to thank you all for taking part in this wonderful musical event. The performances tonight have been spectacular. You have all done a wonderful job and we hope to see you at Grand Nationals. Also, a special thanks to our sponsor, Krispy Kream Doughnuts. Have a wonderful evening and drive safely."

"Doughnuts sponsors Bands of America?" Jimmy said confused. "I feel so much better about my music program knowing that doughnuts will always be by my side!"

"Jimmy! You are such a dork," Lola told him.

We all laughed and headed back to our busses. On the way we ran into Madison and Shana.

"Madison!" I yelled. "We're so sorry you guys didn't make it!"

"It's okay," she told us. "This is the closest we've ever gotten. Plus, that Robinson band was awesome. We'll be back next year. But congrats to you! You guys beat GW!"

"Thanks," said Ryan. "Well, we have to get to our busses. It was a pleasure meeting you. See you next year!"

We waved good-bye to the girls and got on our busses. Changing was too difficult because it was now 11:30pm so we all just took off our jackets and fell into our seats dressed in our suspenders and Dinkles. We all got free Krispy Kream Doughnuts for the ride, thanks to Bands of America.

"Well, the section is in your hand now that I'm graduating. And you have quite the reputation to hold up," Lily told us, leaning over the seat with a doughnut in her mouth.

I grinned. Perhaps I would go out for section leader again. We were going to need someone to replace Lily. If it wasn't me, it would probably be Jimmy and that could get interesting. Suddenly, my cell phone rang. Thinking it was my mom, I picked up. "Allison McAlister."

"Allison! You so totally rock!" the voice said. It wasn't my mom.

"Jenny?" I asked surprised.

"Yah, sorry, but oh my god! You guys so totally rock!"

"Jenny, what are you talking about?"

"You got seventh place and you beat George Washington!"

"Jenny… that happened a half hour ago… How do you know that?"

"I – well – I came," she said trailing off. "Leah messed up major during one of our stunts so we didn't even make finals. It was in New York so I stopped here on the way back home. I saw your performance during finals."

"Oh my gosh! Why didn't you call?! Where are you now?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I knew I liked Jenny. Secretly, I was happy they had messed up the competition. Leah deserved it.

"I'm in the car with my mom. We're on our way home. And I don't think I'm going to cheer next year."

"What? Why? Leah will be graduating. It might get better."

"Well, what I really like to do is dance and I was watching all the color guard girls tonight. I think – I think color guard might be more fun. And I would get to hang out with you more." She stopped suddenly as if she was unsure of that decision.

"Oh Jenny! That would be wonderful! We would love to have you!" I couldn't believe it. Jenny was going to be a color guard next year!

"Thanks! Well, I have to go but I'll see you in school, okay?"

"Okay! Talk to you then."

We hung up. "Jenny is going to join color guard next year!" I informed the group.

"No way!" Jimmy said. "Ha! The dark side wins again!"

Around mid-night, we finally got out on the road for the four-hour trip home. Mrs. McBride put in the tape of our show from finals. I relaxed in Ryan's arms as I watched the sets go by. We were all perfectly in step. Even the music sounded wonderful on the low quality tape. Andrew looked so confident with every cue and every cut off. It was the perfect ending to one of the most spectacular nights of my whole life. The tape ended and the band members began to fall asleep on each other as we made our way back to Virginia with another trophy for thecase. Maybe the principal would even let us put it next to the state championship football trophy we had won last year. Ryan rested his head on mine and appeared to be asleep. I had never been more content in my entire life. I wanted to stay in this perfect world of marching band forever. For my whole life I had been trying to fit in with everyone else. I had found that I liked marching band better because no one knew much about it. I could be myself and not worry about anyone or anything. I looked at my sleepy friend in the seats next to me. I didn't know what would come of my six friends, but I was so glad I had found them. I couldn't wait for next year. I was going to be all band geek, all the time. This year was my experiment year. Even at the end of my sophomore year, I still felt clueless, but I did feel stronger than I ever had before. The greyhound bus rolled along smoothly across the highway as I closed my eyes and to sleep and the day of band geek paradise. Paris Sketches had truly been a discovery of color.