High school was a time that you probably remember with great fondness, but not for the same reason as everyone else. While everyone else partook in the traditional role of a normal high school student, your golden memories consist of Friday night performances, and Saturday competitions. The blood, sweat, and tears that you poured into marching band, made it more than just a class—it became a family. I know that I owe marching band so much for giving me a home away from home, and even though I left the marching band, the marching band never left me.
1. You always step with your left foot first.
Left, Left, Left, Left. You have heard this word so many times by now that it has become instinct to step forward with your left foot first. It is almost cringe-worthy to start any movement with your right foot because you feel like it would almost be a sin to do so. Well, it's a marching band sin, anyway.
2. You have developed a high tolerance for heat.
It was competition day and the temperature was upward of 85 degrees. The sun was brightly shining, and you were about five seconds away from performing. Oh, you were also wearing at least three layers of clothes that make up your full uniform, and a massive hat that might as well have been a furnace on your head. It would have given anyone else a heat stroke, but you did it. Now when non-band friends say that it is burning hot out, you aren't complaining one bit, because you know what hot really feels like.
3. You have some pretty creative solutions to problems.
With minutes to spare before a performance, there is always that one kid in your section that forgot his socks, mouthpiece, reed, instrument—you name it. As a section leader, your job is fix it, even if you are literally seconds from marching on field. I remember one time where a kid had brought white socks instead of black, and even if you don't think it makes much of a difference, it does. You could probably spot the only pair of white socks on the field from a mile away. Anyway, we scrambled around to find an extra pair, but ended up coloring the socks with black sharpie during the final seconds. It's called creativity people.
4. You know that this is not a trumpet.
It is a mellophone folks-- not a "big trumpet."
5. You are never late to anything.
If you're not early, you're late! Being late to marching band practice, or worse performances, was basically an invitation to get the last seat on the bus, and most likely sit-ups. The scheduling is tight for competitions, so there is no time to spare for the stragglers that wanted to stop for Taco Bell on the way, even though they were already running late
6. You still have a piece of your heart left in that band room.
OK, I get that it's cheesy, but it is completely true. The relationships that you have built with your fellow band members began in that very room. That instrument cubby, where you scribbled your name in, is still there. Although you have begun a new chapter, you will never forget the memories you have made through marching band.
