Act 1 Part 2: Oh Say Can You Hear




Bound Brook High School Echo 1976


A coach pulls open the double doors and sounds take over:

     First silence as movement catches attention; 

     Spikes clatter on concrete or sneakers slap the boards as players file out;

     A murmur arises as more turn to watch uniformed young bodies clumping beside the field or court; 

It builds to a roar as the team, at a signal from a captain or coach, jogs to the sideline, mostly silent except for a few screamers slapping backs. 

A drum roll grabs all ears before lone trumpets launch into the Star Spangled Banner, teams and audience alike scrambling to pull off head gear and stand facing the flag. The song is interminable as everyone struggles to remain motionless, all the while stealing glances at the size of the other team. The band concludes to another round of cheers for them, for the song, for it being over, for the start of the game.  

The playing of the national anthem was a favorite part of my football experience. The initial majesty building to a crescendo of sound previews the pace of the pending game. More importantly for an introvert, the attention of those attending is diverted from the players to the musicians for a few blissful minutes.

Then quiet again reigns as players get their final gear on and fans settle down with drinks and dogs. Into the void slink the pre-game rituals...




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