Sure sports are great, and I did a lot of them; track, cross country, basketball, and volleyball. However, I was never really close with any of my teammates nor was I that good at any of them. I wasn't the worst but I wasn't the best either. To be really appreciated in sports it almost feels like you have to be the best.
In eighth grade I had the opportunity to join the high school marching band, and my grandmother kind of forced me to do it. At first I was not too thrilled about it, and with all the time it took I had to drop out of the sports I was in, but honestly it was the best thing I ever did. To be a good band member, not only do you have to be good at your instrument, but you must be close with your teammates as well. One wrong move and the whole show is ruined.
Band is family, not matter what anyone says. I have never met a group of people that has cared more than my band family, and I would not trade them for the world. Chances are, if you join the band you will be with the same group of people anywhere from 3-5 years which in itself is impressive. How many sports do that?
In band we helped and depended on each other, not just with the music and marching, but other stuff as well. I knew I could always count on one of the kids in my section to help with homework, music, or personal stuff. Each section had its own "mother" and "father", then there was the collective band "mother" and "father", we really were close. Even the parents that would help out were referred to as "Momma *insert first or last name here*" or "Papa *insert first or last name here*". We took care of each other in band.
In sports I was athletic and healthy, but in band I was even more so. Playing and marching requires a lot of muscle work and burns a lot of calories, not to mention running before and after practice. In band I took better care of myself than I ever had. I made sure to eat right, get plenty of water and sleep.
So please if you or your future kids want do marching band instead of sports, don't belittle yourself or them. Marching band is an amazing experience and can really open your world up. You will have a tight-knit group of friends that you'll never forget, and the skill you learn in band will help you better yourself for the rest of your life. So do yourself a favor and join the band.
