The Weakest Link

     It's five a.m. at the football field early Saturday morning and the band is up before the sun has even had a chance to rise above the mountains. It is a bit chilly outside but not quite cold enough for heavy jackets so we see many people sporting hooded sweatshirts and beanies. Trombone girl looks as though she had not slept the night before and Baritone girl looks as though she is still asleep. There is talk of some of the sections getting up extra early to enjoy a nice breakfast at an all night restaurant, these people seem to be more awake than the others. "I had six cups of coffee with my waffles this morning!!" Tuba Girl says with rising volume, apparently emanating the effects of caffeine. "Yeah? Well I at least got some sleep!" Red Hoodie Dude says with a sarcastic voice "you're dumb, you are totally going to crash later on today, two hours of sleep is not enough, Tuba Girl, that was not a smart thing to do." After mock looks of disgust are exchanged between the two they notice that the majority of the group was beginning to make its way towards the bleachers to await further instructions from Mrs. Director.

     "Alright, guys! It's show time." She says with an authoritative voice. "This is an important recruiting event for us and it is crucial that we leave these bands with a good impression of us and show these kids a good time. We did really well last week and it is imperative that we keep a positive face on this program. I know that it's early and I know that you're tired but I also I know you'll do us proud today. Mrs. Glasses, I believe you have some instructions for these guys?" She says turning to an older woman with light brown waivy hair who wore wire-framed glasses at the top of her nose. "Yes, Mrs. Director, thank you. Okay guys. I need the trumpets to set up tables for the judges down on the field, the tubes directing traffic parking and the woodwinds tending to the judges needs. If you have any questions feel free to call me. The schedule is on the back of the door up at the judges box." And with that the events for today commenced with slow determination.

     The tubas, trumpets and woodwind did as they were told with very little mishaps and the day seemed to have begun as smoothly as anyone could hope. "Has anyone seen Trumpet Guy?" Mr. TA asks with a tone of annoyance. "No, I don't think he's here yet, did you try calling him?" I hear a person from the percussion section asking in a calm voice. "Yeah, he's not answering, this is so like him, he did this last year too!" Mr. TA says as he storms out of view.

     It seems as though we might have just observed another instance in which the group is having trouble functioning without certain members. Contrary to popular belief, I have observed, the bigger the group is, the more room there is for disaster. Some of the people of this group seem to believe that since the group is so big there is room to slack off, but from what I have seen and from what I have heard, this notion seems incorrect and I am interested in finding out why some people seem to think it's right. I am beginning to believe the quote that says "the team is only as good as its weakest link" and am interested in furthering my observations regarding this subject.