The following article is specially dedicated to all of the band directors that I've ever had: Mrs. Ned, Mr. Riccio, Mr. Crameri, Mr. John Deeb, and Art Himmelberger.

Ever since the spring of fourth grade, I knew I was destined for music. When the conductor called us up to try to make a sound with the head joint of a flute, I was the only student in my class to make a substantial note come out. Maybe it's because my mom played the flute, or that both my uncle on my mom's side and my aunt on my dad's side are music teachers, but for some reason I was destined for band.

For the first few years of playing, I struggled, much like any first-time instrumentalist. But, being young, I was able to learn quickly. I started improving more and more, and eventually earned a place in the first flute section in Symphonic Band in eighth grade -- my middle school's more challenging ensemble.

Before entering band in high school, you can either choose to audition for Wind Ensemble, LSM's esteemed band, or you can opt to go straight to Symphonic, the less challenging group. I chose to audition. Unfortunately, I struggled with my audition and didn't make it into Wind, but rather than use my failure as a setback, I decided to use it as motivation to be a better flautist.

Throughout high school, I stayed in Symphonic, working my way up through the flute section. For my freshman and sophomore years, I was in the second flute section, playing all of the lower notes. By my junior year, I made it to first flute fourth chair. Also, at that time, I was beginning to play circles around the rest of the flute section, because I took band very seriously, unlike many Symphonic members, who viewed it as a slacker class. I pushed myself harder and harder, spending every study hall I had in the practice room to further improve my abilities.

At around Christmas time that school year, I told my parents that I wanted to audition for Wind Ensemble again, and they fully supported me. I now stayed after school until the late bus to practice, figuring out scales and arpeggios and increasing my range. When it came time for my audition, I didn't even need to finish it before my director told me that I was in. Sadly, I had to make a choice between partaking in both bands, AP Statistics, or ASL 1, as I was unable to have all four classes in my schedule, and had to sacrifice Wind. However, the silver lining to this was that I was now first chair first flute and section leader of Symphonic Band, and I was well deserving of those positions.

My pre-college career in band fostered a drive to continue music, which led me to my decision to forgo being on the crew team and instead join Symphonic Band here at Marist, a decision that I will never regret. The program here is phenomenal, especially considering that there's no music major, just a minor. My fellow bandmates are so dedicated to music that they willingly volunteer their time and weekends to perform in football games, basketball games, and concerts.

Not only did band nourish my love for music, but it also led me to forming amazing friendships, both in high school and in college. Some of my best friends are fellow bandies, and I am so grateful for music bringing us together among other things. Band has changed my life in such a positive way, and I would not be even remotely close to the same person I am today had I decided not to play in band all those years ago.