A few weeks ago, I wrote an article listing items that we do not miss about marching band. This list ranges from things from running around in the scorching sun for hours to not being able to eat in uniform. While there were many struggles during band, the entire experience was without a doubt a journey. The hundreds of hours we poured our hearts into developed into years worth of unforgettable memories that we miss.

1. The long, crazy bus rides.

A five hour bus ride felt like a twenty-four hour road trip filled with children singing your show's music in the background during the entire ride. It also acts as a band gossip session and eat all you can before you change into uniform. But of course, we wouldn't have gotten through it all without our bus buddy whom we'd binge watched Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" music video with in hopes to be the band geek in that video.

2. Our well-sculpted calves

Let's face it: our calves have never been more in shape than it was during marching season. All the backwards marching and lifts paid off.

3. The amazing performance feeling

Chills run down your spine as you kill the final hit, and the drum line was actually in time during the entire show for the first time. After the great run, you walk off the field with a sense of pride that you do not feel any other time.

4. Making fun of your band director

Whether it was the hisbug-eyed sunglasses he wore all the time or the way he pronounces certain words because he's not from the region, making fun of our band director was much needed. In the end, we appreciate the hard work and dedication from someone who is extremely passionate about the band's success.

5. Being surrounded by your family

And by family, I mean our section. They are the ones who are with us during tough times when we are getting yelled at for screwing up. They are also the ones who are there to help and encourage you during the long hours of band camp. Through our inside jokes, section boding parties, and beautifully designed section shirts, it was clear that we were blessed with a second family.

6. Eating as much as you can without gaining weight

You never thought that you could eat 8 slices of pizza in one sitting. You thought wrong.

7. The wonderful band moms and dads

They are the ones who drive hundreds of miles to competitions to support and help us set up. They are the ones who spend hours during working on props. They are the ones who know what to do when our uniforms are malfunctioning. We appreciate everything they do for us because without them, the band program would not be what it is.

8. Spending our Friday nights at football games

Pep band music was always fun to play to hype up the student section. Though sometimes dedicating our Friday nights in the stands in our uniforms was not the most ideal, it was nice to get into the games for free and always being constantly updated on the school's sports teams.

9. Watching other bands perform

Changing out of uniform is one reason we looked forward to this, but at the same time, it was refreshing seeing the different shows and music that other programs put together. It was a great way to support other bands and witness all of their hard work just as you did. And after, we find out how we did compared to other bands and celebrate!