The author of this paper first learned about the values of competition as a member of the 1989 Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps. Because they played more than thirty shows that summer, it was common to compete two nights in a row. He vividly remembers one such occasion. Their first show was outstanding, and they finished second. Everyone was upset and depressed. The following night they did not play their best, but they won the show. Everyone was happy, celebrating the victory. The response to these two shows had a profound impact on him. It bothered him that some preferred playing a subpar show and winning to playing an excellent show and losing. The competitive result took priority over the quality of their performance. His stance has also been fueled by teaching drum corps, teaching high school band in Texas, adjudicating numerous marching band festivals, and talking to his students who came from competitive high school programs. The pros and cons of competition are discussed here.