There are universal truths for every group in society. Some may be stereotypical while others may not be so stereotypical. Below are 28 truths about band kids as told by my Marist Band family and me.
1. The phrase "one more time" means absolutely nothing.
"One more time" is a lie. An absolute lie. Who knows what it actually means?
2. Always having to say, "I can't; I have band," whenever your non-band friends make plans.
They just don't get that your schedule is dominated by band--and you wouldn't have it any other way.
3. At least a third of your t-shirts are somehow related to band or band events.
Whether they come from band apparel or from competitions, your wardrobe is slowly being taken over by band, just like the rest of your life.
4. "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable."
Always be early. Always.
5. "Can I get in? I'm with the band."
Need to run to the bathroom during the basketball or football game but forgot your ticket in the bleachers? No problem: this little saying will get you back in.
6. Whenever you meet another band kid, you make another new friend.
*meets someone new.* *finds out they play an instrument.* "OMG YOU'RE IN BAND. LET'S BE BEST FRIENDS."
7. Someone will be in your spot on the field. Always.
Even though you're marching exactly according to your grid coordinates, I guarantee you that there will be one person who will be on your dot.
8. The best section is always your section.
You will always be biased in favor of your own section, regardless of if you guys don't sound so hot.
9. Wire stands are the bane of your existence.
These things are incredibly unstable. And the music and the stand always agree to disagree with each other.
10. You will always find turf in your shoes for the rest of your life.
It's inevitable; you may as well just accept it now.
11. No one knows what a bassoon is, and even those who have seen it often confuse it with an oboe.
Then again, most people don't know what an oboe is either...
12. Sometimes, being a percussionist means counting 144 measures of rest only to miss your cue for the triangle solo.
Remember that episode of Suite Life of Zack and Cody when Zack took a nap and nearly missed his cue? That's basically it sometimes.
13. A band kid will never yield. We will not give in, we will not give up, and we will not admit defeat. Because that is not how band works.
We don't spend hours upon hours in practice rooms, on the field, and in rehearsals just to say, "Eh, I quit." We are unyielding warriors.
14. The band hall or music wing is your safe haven and your second home.
You essentially live in the band hall and/or music wing--you're there so much. And the best part? You love it.
15. You spend a ridiculous amount of money on music supplies, such as reeds, valve oil, cases, repairs, etc.
Reeds always break and you need to keep your instrument in tip-top shape if you want to sound even half-way decent. And you are totally fine forking over all of that money because your instrument is your baby.
16. Your two favorite words to hear before the field show: "cloud cover."
17. Not everyone's 8 to 5 step ratio is exactly the same.
Some people have long legs. Some people don't. Doesn't mean we don't try to make it all equal, though.
18. Most formal events consist of a 'hurry up and wait' game.
This is true for parades especially. Like during the 2017 Inaugural parade--we got there very early, only to have to wait in formation for two hours before we got the clear to start marching.
19. There is unprecedented joy in fiddling with your friend's instrument.
I don't know what it is, but it just brings you so much happiness and pleasure.
20. "Anybody got valve oil?!"
Because it always seems to go missing on you.
21. The mallet section's biggest struggle: "Yeah, there are no mallet parts... just play the flute part."
As a flute player myself, I sympathize with you guys on that.
22. As a percussionist, your parents will never see you at a concert ever or they will always see you at a concert. You are either behind the curtain or directly behind the band.
There's never an in between it seems.
23. There are always absurd phrases that you say or hear from a band kid that have absolutely no meaning to you, but have one of the best stories behind it to the band kid.
For example: "1... 2... Baby Jesus."
24. The last thing a marching percussionist wants to hear: "Let's march without instruments--except for the drums."
I cannot imagine what you guys have to endure during band camp...
25. When you hear a song that you have played either for a field show or pep band on the radio, it is near impossible to not sing along to your part.
Forget the lyrics--sing the notes with pride!
26. Trips and vacations with the band, as well as band camp itself, are some of the best memories and experiences you will ever have.
There is nothing better than a long trip with your favorite people.
27. Your band mates are your second family.
Love 'em or hate 'em, these guys are your best friends and will be there for you in a heartbeat.
28. Water breaks are tiny miracles not to be taken for granted.
Water break? DID SOMEONE JUST SAY WATER BREAK? THANK YOU SO MUCH!
