I joined marching band my freshman year of high school and it was by far my most favorite. I had no clue what I was getting myself into, especially because I was in color guard. While 95 percent of the instrumentalists that joined knew how to play their instrument and only needed to learn how to march, stay in time and a plethora of other things, I was completely clueless how to spin a flag, let alone a weapon! Four years later and graduated as I sit here and reflect on my journey, I smile and remember everything I loved about marching band. Here are a few that I will miss.
1. Late Night Practices
This girl may not be me, but I can imagine her as me. I loved to be under the beam of those bright stadium lights with the cool air sticking the sweat to my skin. Listening to our band director from the press box telling us what was wrong with that rep and the running to reset (or in my case briskly walking). It's moments like those that I love the most.
2. Football Games
Regardless of the fact the marching band is invisible to the rest of the student population it is customary for the marching band to perform at halftime. Football games were free practice performances for the competitions that mattered and performing under a beautiful sunset like that makes it 10x better. I loved performing alongside my guard members and doing our best to stay in time and not hit other people in the process.
3. New Uniforms
Unlike the marching band where they have to all wear the same uniform, not wear makeup, or do their hair in a special way, the color guard always gets new uniforms. I loved being different and standing out for all the right reasons.
4. My Guard
I fell in love with each of these individuals over and over again. Each one of them has such a unique personality and are absolutely beautiful. I was honored to be their captain for one season and be part of such an amazing group of girls and boy. I miss them so much.
5. The Sound
Everyone knows the famous quote from the movie Drumline, "One band, one sound" and it is no exception for our performances. The sound of all the brass, percussion, and woodwinds together creating such an amazing sound makes me tear up every time. The fact a bunch of different individuals can create such an amazing sound only using air and their fingers is truly amazing.
6. The Body
Marching band always whipped my body into shape. Between all the conditioning, dancing, stretching, and running back and forth for 10 minutes on a football field, after awhile it makes you have a really nice body and tan (as long as you have clothes on, haha).
7. The moments that are all worth it
I'm not one to hide my emotions very well and I think you'll be able to tell by my reaction I was very happy and nearly crying. Our band has always been that band that's "so close" but doesn't advance, but my senior year we made semi state for the second time and I was pretty ecstatic.
8. Band Camp
Although the most exhausting, by far the most fun. We're a bunch of really weird boys and girls creating a really weird group that creates an experience no one else will get to have but us. It's moments like those that you will never forget.
9. The Flag Feature
The one moment when every member of the color guard comes together to create one big beautiful production of the what music is trying to express visually. One of my favorite and most impactful moments that no one ever forgets.
10. The Memories
Sure, I will always have the memories that I was a part of but I will miss making new ones. The ones going to far away BOA competitions, the ones where we have to do our eyeliner on a moving bus and try not to get it everywhere, and most of all creating a legacy that will last forever.
Well, there you have it. My 10 piece commemoration of my favorite things of marching band. I always told myself when I was in it that I wouldn't miss it and that I was ready for the next step in my life... and I am, but I'd be lying if a piece of me didn't miss being out there performing with all the beautiful faces I had to leave behind. For all those younger marching band performers reading this, take it from me. Soak up every performance and don't take a second for granted because it's gone before you even realize it.
