Whether your musical interest lies more within a garage band or a marching band, getting involved somewhere musically is important. It could be a lot of money, but trust me, it will be worth it.
1. You will belong somewhere.
Even if you're the third trumpet player who only plays the whole note harmony. You belong because a triangle without the base doesn't bring the full effect to the big picture.
2. What sets you apart from others is accepted and appreciated.
Do you have hyper-sensitive hearing? Can't handle when a chord is left unresolved? Do you also have the uncanny ability to use music puns at every given moment because you can? It's OK. Musicians accept the weird and amplify it with their own. Well, at least most musicians do. I mean, heck, I play the oboe. I have for 13 years. If that isn't weird, I don't know what is.
3. Upperclassmen become your friends.
They may not want you stopping at their locker to say hi, or joining their lunch table every day, but they will say hey and notice you in the halls instead of ignoring you. On campus, I know that's how I got involved in orchestra, was through an upperclassman in band telling me to do both.
4. Blue hair, nose ring and a tattoo?
We don't care. It just makes it that more awesome that you have a passion to play music instead of just listen to it. There's no judgment in the music world. Unless you march into my practice room while I'm playing a waltz, then we'll have to talk.
5. Music helps expression.
I find comfort in practicing after having a really awful day. I mean, a nap is always great, but sometimes I just need to play that one piece that hits me hard in the feels and let it all out. I've often found myself sobbing into Nathaniel (my oboe) after major life events.
6. Es-cah-pay. It's funny. That sounds just like the word escape.
Music can help transport you from reality into a world of upper-class elevator music where nothing matters and you can just exist.
7. You can show off....
How high your range is vocally or on the French Horn, how fast you can double tongue, or how quickly and rhythmically you can move your fingers along the keys of the grand piano. Also, open mic nights are a thing for those who wrote an original song about their dog or boyfriend or tractor or something.
8. ....Or you can hide in the crowd.
Shy second alto that joined choir because your friend wanted you to? Sing however comfortable you are. The rest of the choir can cover for you on your first couple days until you get used to it.
9. Band practice is a good reason to cancel plans.
That random guy that keeps asking you out will eventually assume your life is taken over by band or choir or theatre or practices in general and will stop asking. It may take a while, but they should catch your drift.
10. Paid gigs are a thing.
Why not get some money back for all those lessons or reeds? Worth it to play at a wedding or in a church for some extra cash.
11. Volunteer gigs are also a thing.
It's last minute. You didn't have anything else planned. Or it's a worship event or a charity event. Just do the thing. You'll have experience so you can apply for paid gigs.
12. Annoy your siblings. Practice!
Honking on your instrument for the third time? Trying to hit that one note and make it not sound super nasally? Perfect annoyance to whatever unfortunate soul is home at the time be it a sibling, parent, friend or even pet.
13. Musicians are family. No matter where.
You get close to the people you make music with, even if there is section rivalry. There is a bond formed that will never be the same once the seniors graduate or that viola quits.
Music brings everyone together from everywhere for any occasion.
Next time you think you can't sing or are no good at playing, just do it for you. Use the gift(s) God has given you and play. Sing. Bang a drum or a piano key. Make yourself happy.
