If I could pick an experience in my life where I have felt incredibly grateful and proud, it would be marching band, both in high school and in college. There is simply no feeling like having the stadium lights shining down on you after countless hours, days, and weeks of rehearsing and preparing for a 15-minute show. But in the midst of learning new skills, whether you play an instrument or, in my case, in the color guard, there is much more that marching band teaches a person.

Responsibility

When it comes to marching band, there are so many things each member is accountable for that they may not realize. Like any activity, a band or color guard member is responsible for memorizing their music or flag work, learning their drill, and making sure they keep up with everything in order for the rehearsals and performances to run successfully. This can range from making sure all of their equipment and uniforms are in place, being on time to rehearsals and performances, or making sure you are ready to take on a 12-hour day of band camp. Through these responsibilities, it has helped me become more independent and realize that the only person you should depend on to accomplish these tasks is yourself.

Presentation

As a color guard member, we are expected to present ourselves well with our posture. In order to make the flag work look sharp, polished and together, we have to make sure that our posture corresponds with the work we have to execute. By that, it means crisp arm movements, shoulders back, standing up straight, and holding our heads up high; no flimsy arms, slouching, or looking down. Otherwise, the flag work will not be performed to its full potential, which is highly noticeable. And like any habit, once these small actions are practiced constantly, they tend to stick with you. If I’ve noticed anything from my last four years in marching band, it is that my posture has changed significantly compared to when I was younger, and I will thank color guard forever for it.

Time Management

Any marching band member can agree that band is a big commitment during the fall as a lot of time is involved between practices and performances. We have a two-hour rehearsal three days a week, along with football games and high school exhibition performances on most Saturdays. Although this may not seem to be too big of a time commitment, there are also classes, jobs, and other campus activities a band member will have to balance in their schedule, which helps improve time management skills. As weird as it may sound, it was a lot easier for me to get stuff done when I had a limited amount of time, because it helped me schedule time for homework and studying. I remember last fall I had statistics homework due every Saturday at midnight, and to prevent myself from getting stressed after a football game to finish it, I always tried my best to have the assignment completed before Saturday. It was easier for me to get distracted when I felt like I had a huge amount of time on my hands, but thanks to band, I have learned more effective ways to manage time.

Teamwork

One of my favorite aspects about band is the importance of each individual member. There is no such thing as having too many people when it comes to marching band, as it helps with the power of the music and the overall form on the field. Like I said before, each member has their own responsibilities when it comes to their performance including learning their music or flag work, counts, and placement on the field. As one individual is responsible for each of these things, it comes together to form one picture and one sound. And in the process of learning and perfecting every movement and note, you bond with the other members as you all work together to accomplish the overall goal.

Personal Growth

My life has changed significantly ever since I joined marching band back in high school four years ago, and I honestly believe that I have learned more about myself through my experience as a color guard member than from any other experience. If someone were to ask me five years ago if I could see myself in a marching band performance, I probably would have said "no," because just the thought of performing made me nervous. Flash forward five years later, and I can get through a performance with ease. It took some time for me, but as I went a little outside of my comfort zone, it prepared me and gave me confidence not just for the performances, but in other activities as well. When I first started marching band in my junior year of high school, I never thought about how much it would have impacted my life. Little did I know the experiences I have had would shape me into the person I am today.