Tradition!!

The Sky View Marching Band travels to performances and competitions on 4 buses generally.  There are broken up into the Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, and Color Guard bus. As we pulled into the parking lot of Weber University, I overheard members of a presumably smaller band remark loudly to her friends, "Whoa.  An ENTIRE bus just for Woodwinds."
I had the opportunity to ride the Woodwind bus to Weber Review.  I've heard rumors about the activities that go on in the various buses as part of that bus's tradition.  Something about pies and pigs among other things. In the past, I've only ridden on the percussion bus.  There is a lot of thumpity-thump rhythms going on throughout the ride and, when Joe was around, incredible and sometimes gross eating challenges, but on the whole they are a fairly calm group.  This was my first chance to witness things like the "Hotter than Hot" cheer, the Captain Song, and something called the Cupcake Chug.
The Chug goes like this:  Someone, Sam in this case (who went the extra mile in topping each with garden fresh raspberries), bakes and frosts a cupcake for each member of the woodwinds.  The cupcakes are distributed.  Everyone unwraps their yummy little package and at the captain's signal they each try to inhale the cake in a single gulp, upon which, they stand and touch (or loudly slap) the ceiling of the vehicle to signal they have completed the task.  They must not leave a crumb behind. and each person meticulously finishes every bit for good luck.
Another tradition that is consistent on each bus is something called "Silent Bus"  This part gives my mama heart the shivers in a good way.  It is an eairy and super neat performance of the show.  10 minutes before we arrive at our destination, and while the bus is rolling along, each of the Drum Majors traveling with each bus, conduct time as the students visualize themselves do the show. This can get a little tricky to do while the bus makes the final turns and changes in acceleration.  Band moms support the conductors to help them keep their feet and not break time. The students count out loud and "sing" their parts and visuals are simulated. Drummers play on the backs of the seats. The kids do this to mental prepare themselves to do the show and it is a way for the band to put on their "game face."  They are to be silent until we arrive and then prepare themselves for the show and set up the equipment with as little talking as possible.  This serious mood is to create an intensity and focus in performing the best. It is a neat tradition and is a memorable experience for anyone lucky enough to be a part of it.