Like most college freshmen, I went back and visited my high school during winter break. But unlike most college freshmen, I wasn’t interested in most of the school, just one small section; the band hall. Students involved in their music department know how special the hall is and how much growth and love comes out of that corner of the school. Going back to see the place that transformed me brought back a huge wave of nostalgia. Any other college freshman going back to visit their band department definitely went through these same things:

1. First, walking into music suite and just feeling at home

2. And then literally throwing your coat in the band office like it is your home

3. You start thinking that the band room is the exact same as you remember but also completely different

There's a few new trophies and the set-up is slightly different which is definitely not okay.

4. Then you see your band director and get a big welcome-back hug

5. And give all the once-underclassmen band kids hugs

6. And your close friends who also came back to visit

7. Basically a lot of hugs

8. The best part is getting to watch rehearsal

You get to hear how great/awful you actually sounded.

9. And feeling a little nostalgic when the band plays the same warm up exercises

10. Until you remember how much you actually hated them and are thankful you don’t have to play them anymore

I definitely do not miss playing concert F about 500 times a rehearsal.

11. Seeing all the newbies and immediately critiquing their posture and tone quality

12. But then realizing they’re probably better than you were as a freshman

13. Pointing out the number of people on their phone and realizing how not subtle you were when you tried to hide your phone behind your sheet music

I guess the band director just chooses to ignore it or is just blind.

14. Going to the practice room and remembering all the tears, laughs, and hiding out that happened in them

They were rarely ever used for actual practicing but they made for a great therapist's office when needed.

15. Then there's seeing all the new band couples

...and taking bets on how long you thought they would last...

16. And catching up on all the new gossip

She beat WHO for first chair??

17. Talking with the seniors and being thankful that the college application/audition process is over for you

Was I that stressed out and annoying?

18. Knowing that you'll always call this place home and cherish the memories you made there

Shoutout to the Atholton High School band room for being me second home in high school and making me the person I am today.