I was in band from sixth grade all the way through my senior year. It was an eye-opening experience, and I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. At times, you could feel the love (the bus rides to and from parades and competition, and during the senior nights). But there were also times when you wanted to rip your hair (learning new music or practicing on the marching field). Regardless, here is a list of things you know about (and maybe even things to reminisce on) if you were in marching band like me.

1. Getting fitted for uniforms freshman year
2. Laughing at how ridiculous you look with just your bibs on and no jacket.
3. Tucking hair into your hat.
4. Practices on the marching field.
5. Practices in the parking lot.
6. Practices in the band room.
7. Practices on the football field.
8. The daunting sound of a clicker or a drumstick and a rhythm block.
9. The annoyance of a lyre and a flip folder.
10. Friday nights in the fall were always reserved for football games.
11. Friday nights in the winter were always reserved for basketball games.
12. Bus rides are where some of your best memories were made.
13. A neck strap or t-shirt tan line.
14. You contemplate killing the person who messed up, because now you have to start again from count 1.
15. Marching 5 yards in 8 steps is your specialty.
16. That “one more time” actually means “72 more times, but 71 if you do really good the last time”.
17. The confusion of the uniform that it's like fire in the summer, and like wearing nothing in the winter.
18. You know that plumes are more than just feathers.
19. You know that most of your time was probably spent in the band room/hallway.
20. You know that band will always have a special place in your heart.