Those who have played in band in high school or college will tell you a few interesting stores. All of our music experiences make band kids a family. Music defines us in most aspects. And in life there are some struggles. It could be a wrong note, someone being out of step during drill practice, or a broken instrument. Whether you are woodwind or brass, tenor or bass, we all had to go though the same struggles. That is one of the reasons no matter where you go, if you meet another band member you can always relate. We've all faced these problems at some point or another.
1. Broken Reeds
Reeds are essential to all clarinet and saxophone players (including double reeds for oboe and bassoon players). However, they are so brittle that they can easily break. Not only are they expensive to buy, but they need to be soaked in spit and sometimes they can cut your tongue.
2. Brass Players and their Spit Valves
As if seeing people spit in public wasn't gross enough. I mean yeah the use of saliva does help with instrument playing and your mouth is moistened along the way. but when the brass players open their spit valves, it's like a waterfall of human spit mixed with broken down sugars and starch. What's worse: if the valve isn't fully emptied, then the spit comes back through your mouth. YUCK!
3. Tan Lines and Sunburns
Everyone who participated in marching band can relate to this. Especially during band camp. The tan lines are so awkward. Girls, we all know the struggle of trying to re-match our make up for the fall semester, wearing a strapless dress to a party and then seeing your tan lines in the pictures. Getting sunburned can also be a bad thing, as the redness and burns sear through your skin.
4. Having to play through rain and everything gets wet
During marching band season, we have played through all kinds of weather, but when it rains, the instruments suffer. The pads on the woodwinds get wet, the keys on the mallet percussion get warped, the music and drill gets soaked, and marching in mud could mean injury. No matter what, the marching band show must go on.
5. You always start walking with your left foot and you even keep tempo
You get so used to counting beats from band that no matter where you go or what music you're listening to, you can't get the tempo out of your head. You even walk in step with your friends even if they don't walk in step with each other. At weddings and parties when you dance to popular songs, you can't escape the rhythm.
6. You still remember "Hot Cross Buns"
Every band player's first played song. Its simplicity is what kills you, but you first thought it was hard to play. Still a catchy tune.
7. Forgetting your instrument, parts, and music at home or dorm
The WORST thing that any musician could possibly do is forget something. If you forget you mute, then you can't play the part that requires the mute. Forgot your reeds? Your instrument is now unplayable. Forgot you music? You gotta share with a friend (unless you're the only one on a part/instrument, then you could be screwed). Forgot you instrument? You're in BIG trouble.
8. Knowing what music to play during all football and basketball games
Playing songs like YMCA, Star Wars, Hey Song, and Eye of the Tiger always pumps up the crowd and brings people together. Plus, pep bands always support the teams to victory!!
9. Band Camp
From the post band camp parties, the first run-through of the show, the hot days, the tan lines, and the section bonding, what happens in band camp, stays in band camp.
10. Hearing "One More Time!!"
You learn quickly what this phrase means. At first, you think you're seeing the light, but that's just the sun in your eyes. It's all a mirage. After a while, you're dead inside. "One more time" from the top of the tower means at least 10 more times.
11. Hearing and playing a popular song
You hear a popular song that you happened to play in band and instead of enjoying it only being able to hum the version of the song you played. (which most times isn't the fun chorus). Also, when you want to name a popular piece but there's no words so you have the hum it instead.
12. Chapped Lips
Whether it's from holding a note for a long time without knowing it, or playing your instrument constantly, your lips will hurt and always bring chapstick (just don't mix it up with cork grease, because that would suck if that ever happens).
13. But despite the band drama, the long hours of practicing, and the pain and struggles, you're proud to be a band geek, you're proud to put on that uniform and concert attire, and music will forever be a part of you.
March to the beat of your own drum. Proud to be a band geek!!
