After the years of what seemed like torture on hot asphalt, I now appreciate you more than ever.

To My Band Directors,

Five years of my life was dedicated to pleasing you on a hot as hell slab of asphalt in the dead of summer vacation. I got so many sunburns along with some sun poisoning on the side. Band camp week never seemed to end, but it was something everyone secretly looked forward to all year long. Learning the theme of the show was always one of the most exciting times for us bandies as well. Getting new charts was too; Yep, I still have all my charts. What was even more exciting was when I was chosen for the saxophone solo senior year...that was a dream come true. Being section leader was quite the leadership experience. I loved getting to help better the saxophones one note at a time.

I wasn't the happiest the days you yelled at the saxophones because we didn't know our music. I DID appreciate that nagging once we finally got to competition season and we won best in music. I didn't like getting up at 3 a.m. for Semi-State. I DID love the outcome after all of our hard work. Something that I appreciate you for would have to be dealing with me and all of my various injuries throughout the year. I feel like I might have spent more time on the sideline than anywhere else. No matter if it was a bad sprain or after my foot surgery, you made sure I was all set (no pun intended).

No matter how much time I spent out on parking lot B for so many years, I wouldn't trade that time for the world. I learned that if you're early you're on time, if you're on time you're late, and if you're late, you're dead. I learned that determination is key to get the job done. I learned that being a part of a team, or a part of a band, is the greatest experience. I made some of my greatest friendships thoughout the years that I will forever cherish.

Anyhow, thank you for the constant encouragement in band and in life in general. You have made me a better person because of all those hours spent breaking reeds, spraining my ankles, falling, leading the saxophones, sweating, crying, and learning my self-worth.

Thank you for being such a positive influence on my life. I wouldn't be where I am at now without you.

Sincerely,

Miss Grumieaux/Gimp/Maddy/A5