Before leaving for college I was debating whether or not I should continue with marching band. It was the only thing I seemed to know and although I felt comfortable in that atmosphere, I didn't want to restrict myself in a college setting. After much deliberation, I decided to join The Mighty Sound of the Southeast at the University of South Carolina and I have since to look back 3 band seasons later. If you've sworn off marching band for good, here are five reasons that might change your mind:

5. What gym?

High marching 64 counts down the field in 98-degree weather might sound insane to some, but for the college marching band it’s just another practice. Who needs a gym when you spend all day burning hundreds of calories and holding a 5-pound instrument perfectly parallel to the ground while playing and going to different sets on the field? I already know my arms, legs, and core are all making sufficient gains without walking across campus to the crowded gym after practice.

4. Perks

A lot of people can say that they went to their college football games, but a select few can say they marched on the field with 400 of their closest friends and were deafened by the cheers of 80,250 fans when the fight song was played. Marching in a traditional pregame show is an unparalleled experience that I soak in each Saturday in South Carolina and am honored to be a part of. The Carolina Band, as well as other university marching bands around the country, not only get to attend every football game, but also get invited to play for their President of the respected university/college, ESPN College GameDay, television functions, and even volleyball and Men’s/Women’s basketball seasons (even all the way to South Dakota for the Elite 8 tournament). As if all of those opportunities aren’t enough, many college bands also get courtesy book bags to tote around our belongings in. Way better than having to purchase a new bookbag every year.

3. Opportunities to serve

Through organizations such as Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi, students are able to serve the band in different fashions such as organizing clean uniforms, painting the field, loading the buses for game day, and even cleaning the band hall. These two organizations play a vital role in the band (whether seen or unseen) and provides an excellent way for men and women of the band to provide exceptional service, cultivate leadership, and promote equality and diversity. Although I never imagined myself joining any kind of sorority in college, joining Tau Beta Sigma has given me so many opportunities and friendships that I will forever treasure.

2. Friends

When you’re around the same people every day for multiple hours at a time, you learn to build strong friendships that seem to make time go a little faster, trips a little more entertaining, and games a whole lot more fun. It's great to have been able to form bonds throughout the marching band and spend my time with some of the best people at Carolina.

1. Giving Back

Although playing for 80,250 people each weekend and serving the band is exciting, so is providing service to not only the surrounding communities but fellow teams. College marching bands share a special bond and although schools may be rivals, we are all band members and will look out for each other no matter the space or circumstances. One prime example takes place in October of 2015 when Columbia, SC was devastated by a flood that caused hundreds to be evacuated, left 30,000 people powerless, and killed 19. An SEC Football game was scheduled to take place at William’s-Brice Stadium that particular weekend between the Louisiana State University Tigers and University of South Carolina Gamecocks, but due to unforeseen circumstances the game was moved to Tiger Stadium. During that time the Tiger Marching Band not only sent section care packages, but they played USC’s Alma Mater and Fight Song during their performance (see here). USC got to repay the favor August 19, 2016 when Baton Rouge, LA was devastated by their own horrific flood- the worst to date since Hurricane Sandy- leaving 60,000 homes damaged, 20,000 people rescued, and 13 reported deaths . Sending care packages of our own to the Tiger Marching Band, we also had the opportunity to perform their alma mater to show our awareness of the tragedies and to represent LSU the best way we knew- using music as our universal language (see here). For this reason alone, I feel incredible pride for being a part of an organization that can give back in the time of need.

Being a part of the college marching band experience has taught me so many things and I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunities that I have through this organization. College marching bands care so much about the well-being of their members as well as others and although my time to graduate will come soon, I hope that future students will take the chance of doing band in college and allow it to impact their life as much as it has mine.

To learn how you can support Louisiana in flood relief please click here.