From an outside perspective, it seems that over 400 members of the 'Million Dollar Band' (MDB) at the University of Alabama come together just to perform and perfect the halftime show. However, the MDB is so much more than that. These musicians are reaching beyond the required demands of typical college students with passion and dedication. For a collective 15 hours a week, individuals commit their work and valuable time for the betterment of the band and the campus. But how do they stand out against a massive, 35,000 bodied campus like Alabama?

What makes this student body more than an elective is not what we do or how we do it, but more of who we do it with. We hold ourselves and the person to our left and right high and proud when we form our iconic “Big Bama Spell Out” for all of Bryant-Denny to see.

Posting on Odyssey, Heather Dowers' "Why Marching Band Is So Important To Us" is spot-on when she states that band “provides creative spirit... presents itself as a safe haven for students to thrive…and helps develops good habits”. Being a member myself, some of the most enjoyable moments in my time at this University has been with the band. My closest friends are fellow trumpet players; our memories and experiences only grow fonder with time. As a whole, the Million Dollar Band unites and creates an extraordinary experience for each other through community and friendship. Simply by overhyping football games, yelling “Roll Tide” one too many times, and throwing our arms around each other and singing the Alma Mater after long-fought victories have made cherished memories for me that will last a lifetime.

The Million Dollar Band is a distinctive community that is like no other on campus. We lean on one another like brothers, taking care of each other even in the small details. When we put on our uniform, it is at that moment where most people decide that they want to keeping being part of this unique, prestigious program.

At the end of the season, you realize you’ve gotten much more out of marching band than just a credit; you now have a family.