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10 Reasons Why You, Yes You! Should Do Marching Band In College

"You'd think you'd be tired of it by now."

andrearatiu

Aug 22, 2018

Miami University

348

10 Reasons Why You, Yes You! Should Do Marching Band In College

Miami University / Facebook

I quickly realized that college band is dramatically different from my high school band experience. I went from a band of approximately 30 members to a band of approximately 260 members. I loved seeing more than just one of each kind of instrument; performances became surreal as well as powerful. I finally learned dot sheets for the first time while experiencing a different kind of camaraderie than I did in high school — on and off the field.

Moving in early

Tappan Hall, quad view

Andrea Ratiu

You get to make yourself at home ahead of everyone else (and pick the best side of the room). The feeling of an empty campus gives you plenty of time to prepare for what's ahead.

You become part of a family

Clarinet sectionals, MUMB Ohio

Andrea Ratiu

I've never been part of such a large, beautiful clarinet section before college. Marching band is a diverse organization which allows any major to join. Just think that there's several more different sections, each with more opportunities to make more friends. You'll definitely fit in one way or another.

Immediate social life

During my band camp, you endure four intense (yet REALLY fun) days of music memorization, dot sheets, physical training, pure glistening sweat and pleas for a water break. After 12 hours each day, different events are planned at night, and you get to spend more quality time getting to know the whole band.

Band trips

BOA, Lucas Oil Stadium

Andrea Ratiu

As long as you prepare yourself by getting homework done ahead of time, you get to miss classes (excused, of course) and travel with the band! I never really got to go on trips or vacations during my life, so band really allows me to see new places more often.

Weight loss

This is perhaps one of my most favorite things regarding band. I firmly believe marching band is a sport. I lose weight and keep myself in shape for all of the performances. I lost about 10 pounds during my first college band camp.

Being yourself unlike before

Notre Dame, unloading area

Andrea Ratiu

I came from a small, sports-invested, not so arts-invested community. I was often picked on for being in band, or rather being the only member of my class to be in band. My involvement wasn't viewed the same way it is now. Whenever I tell someone I march in college, their eyes light up, and I get a, "Wow, really? That's so cool."

Academic development

The aspect of understanding how to play an instrument, read music and move at the same time develops a serious discipline within you. You learn how to be balanced––mentally and physically. Your hearing, spatial recognition, memorization and overall stamina improves. This tends to correlate towards high grades and outright success.

Social media photography

Miami University / Facebook

If you're lucky, you get to be shown off on social media showcasing the choreography of a performance or anything representing your band. These make for bomb pieces of content to share and include on your profiles.

Performance milestones

Notre Dame Stadium

Andrea Ratiu

I got to perform on THAT field on that day. What an honor. I went from playing in front of barely any people at my high school games to nationally-renowned fields such as Notre Dame Stadium's.

Advanced school spirit

@miamiohmumb / Instagram

No one knows the fight song better than the band. We practically see the notes floating over our heads when we sing it, play it or happen to hear it elsewhere. Dancing at pregame events is essential, and it just comes so naturally. Each section holds its own routine and traditions. No matter how many games we lose, we feel content with two touchdowns or so. We love our school, and we're proud to have been chosen to represent our school spirit in such a manner.

So, if you're questioning whether you want to continue your band experience beyond high school, the answer should be a resounding yes.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Reasons Why You, Yes You! Should Do Marching Band In College

"You'd think you'd be tired of it by now."

Moving in early

You become part of a family

Immediate social life

Band trips

Weight loss

Being yourself unlike before

Academic development

Social media photography

Performance milestones

Advanced school spirit

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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