Band and choir were my safety net during high school. They were what kept me going, gave me a reason to go to school everyday and gave me a sense of community during those four long years. Going to a small private Christian university, I miss marching like CRAZY. Here's just exactly what I miss about it:
1. The sense of community
Not only was our own band a family, but every other marching band ever was also family. We had no problem joining three rival high schools together to perform in a parade together as one giant band.
2. Always having something to do
This became my go-to excuse during senior year, whether I actually had band practice or not.
3. The hype that performances bring
Let's be real, practices were quite possibly the worst. But when it came to performance time, you were all about it.
4. The life lessons it teaches
Not having black socks isn't something to cry over. That's one life lesson marching band taught me.
5. "Band Camp"
My school's band had just started to march again when I go into high school, so band camp wasn't very developed, but we were pretty good at making letters with our instruments.
6. The trips
I know that this picture isn't from marching, but the band always takes trips whether it's marching season or concert season.
7. Having plans on Friday nights.
It was always a given that I had something to do on Friday nights. Now I have to work to get friends to do something with me over the weekends.
8. The exercise
When my legs gave up on me and I had to quit volleyball, band was the form of exercise that took over. Some people might say that band isn't a sport, but I beg to differ. If you want to prove it, then you can show up to in-class rehearsals in the 100 degree heat and the night rehearsals later in the year in temperatures near freezing.
9. The band director
My band director retired right after my senior year, which prompted us in the senior class to see if we could get the music building named after him. SUCCESS!!!!!
Also, his Mickey Mouse impression is one of the most hilarious things to this day.
10. The friendships made that will last a lifetime
I know that these people will always love me, bibs or no bibs. Marching band is a family; there's no other way to describe it. The people that you meet are always going to be a part of my life and I will always care deeply for them. I am so proud of the young people I have met and mentored, as well as the people older than me who mentored me.
I am proud to say that I am a member of the marching band community. We are one, and we are strong.
