The Band Played On

In the story  Titanic the band members continued to play their instruments while other were getting onto life boats and running for their lives. I believe they did so due to many reasons. One being that making music was their only way of calming themselves down and it is also something that makes them happy. Reason two would be to make the situation for other less chaotic and to make the situation seem not as big of a deal. however out of the two I am leaning more towards the guess that they played for themselves, to calm themselves, and to prepare themselves for what is to come. I have personally never been in an near death experience and neither have I saw anyone or have known anyone who has the experience. However if I was to experience a deadly event I would say that I would end it with a blast. Before death I would do my favorite thing, just so I can die happily. I wouldn't want to coward away and die fearing of death. I would die smiling and happy. "The show must go on."