~ Cadence ~
Cadences.
They had this exciting, underlying message in its rhythm that urged the rest of the band in the stands to dance wildly. The football players would get pumped upon hearing one of these pulsating cadences. The rest of the audience in the bleachers would bob their head and tap their foot to the beat in pleasure. Even the percussionists playing would dance with large grins on their faces as they hit their drums.
It was the highlight of the night when the band would hear a snare drum tap a tempo in preparation for a cadence. They would immediately set their instruments down to where they wouldn't fall or be stepped on and prepare to happily dance like maniacs.
The audience around the band would watch their enthusiasm in amusement, but also in surprise; the band seemed to show more spirit than the cheerleaders did.
** That last line is not meant to be offensive to cheerleaders. In fact, a girl I know in cheerleading actually told me that. :P **