The "Pit"

Sideline Percussion (Pit)- Sometimes referred to as the "Giant lawn ornaments," which are played by large lawn gnomes. Affectionately called the "Pit" by the band director, this group is made up of people who had failed to meet his standards in marching and playing and some that actually want to be there, thus thrown into a "pit" of marimbas, xylophones, timpani and assorted percussion instruments. Many of the marchers have a defined resentment for the gremlins who stay in their tent all Band Camp long, not having to march a step; however, say it to their face, and you will find limbs missing and mallets shoved up your ass. They possess the power of playing upwards of 24 * 10^31 sticks at one time, disregarding their ability to actually play the actual music with any real talent. Players in the "Pit" are constantly told to "listen back", which is often impossible due to the fact that their obnoxiously loud instruments are in the way, the horns are in the way, and they're not facing "back" in the first place. This is often ignored by the band staff, especially the egotistical drumline instructor, who responds by saying "listen harder." Generally made up of kids too spazzy for the drumline, or not gay enough for the color guard. They put up with the worst people, have to listen to the worst jokes, and are forced to deal with the annoying (once bad-ass) percussion instructor and are the least respected.