The marching band was my life all high school and it left me with just more than cool pictures and band camp stories. It left me with life lessons that I carry with me to this day.

1. Punctuality

“On time is late and early is on time” This was the saying that my band lived and died by, it ensured that we were always there hours before we had to be. And this has transferred into my everyday life even years later, I’m always leaving earlier than I should.

2. It’s not all about winning

Yes, winning is great and all but at the end of the day it’s not about who won, it’s about the experience. We learned that my freshman year and even though we didn’t win the most trophies, we had fun and made lifelong friendships and memories.

3. Respect

We had no choice but to respect our directors and our leadership. We made sure that we always were respectful to other bands as well.

4. Leadership

I was part of the leadership team junior and senior year and this obviously taught me how to properly lead. Not only did I have to lead by example but I also had responsibilities that I had to fulfill. I carried this into my post-band life and even to this day, I use this skill.

5. Hydration is key

You don’t realize how much you need water until you’re outside in the Florida summer heat for 12 hours. This is when you realize that water is actually the greatest thing ever and you will never take it for granted again.

6. There are times when it’ll be rough

During band camp my sophomore our drum major died. For a 15-year-old, this was the biggest event to happen in my life, I hadn’t even had a grandparent die before. So, this taught me that with tings do get better, mostly with the right support group

7.Time management

You don’t know how crazy life gets until you’re having 12-hour marching band practices and taking AP classes, this is when you’re really put to the test. This taught me how to properly manage time, I mean yeah, I was doing homework at 3 a.m., but I was managing the time somewhat responsibly. My time management skills have improved throughout the years, but the band was the reason that I was able to have any to begin with.

8. Friendships make the world go round

You make these friendships during band that lasts not only through high school but also through college, most of the time. These people helped me get through some of the most trying times in not only high school but also college. So, cherish the band friendships that you make.

9. How to quick change

Not only do you have like 10 minutes to change at times, but you also have to be outside and ready within those 10 minutes. So now I am the quick-change champ, I can change in about two minutes flat, which helps on those mornings that you’re running late.

10. That the band life is the life

Band is honestly the best and who ever says otherwise, I’ll fight you. But not really. But band has taught me that the band life is the best and not some nerdy thing that it is portrayed to be.