From a Texas high school band director:
"So here's the big deal about marching band. Students spend hours upon hours working to perfect a show for performances that will last around 8 minutes. Each performance is a big deal. If someone has a bad 20 seconds, it can wreak havoc on the entire band. If someone is confused, or not quite sure of the next move, there is no opportunity to call time out and get clarification.
The band gets 7-8 minutes to showcase what they've spent hundreds of hours working on. They don't get 4 quarters, 2 halves, or 9 innings- just a few minutes. If someone isn't feeling well, twists their ankle, or gets knocked on their rear, they can't call time-out and ask for a sub. The show must go on.
After the performance is over, not one performer will have their name in the paper, or get special recognition for their outstanding individual performance. Band is a team activity and not one person is recognized publicly for their outstanding performance that week. Everyone works hard, day in and day out, for the team-the group, knowing that they will not be singled out for special recognition. All the work is done for the good of the group. That's extremely awesome."