My topic today is half-time shows at football games. Now I am talking about games at the high school level. The talent isn’t just on the field driving a ball over the goal line.

I know most of the people are there for the game as is evident with the conversations going on and the people who leave the stands to make a beeline to the concession stand. There are times I want to tell the person sitting in front of me or standing, impeding my view of the band, to sit down and shut up! They might not want to hear the band, but I do as I am sure others do.

Believe it or not, being in the marching band is no easy task. Learning formations, marching and playing an instrument requires talent. As does the hard work of the flag twirlers, color guard, and majorettes. The performers on the field work equally as hard and are no less important than the athletes. The macho jock heads in the press box don’t seem to get it! Turn off the mic, doofus! If you don’t think we hear you talking trivial nonsense when the bands from both teams are performing, think again. The performance is short, but the talent displayed is worth it. Have some respect.

So, the next time you are tempted to shout to someone in the stands or leave your seat when the band takes the field, remember those kids are as important to the entertainment as the football team.

Kudos to those who stay and enjoy the show!