I quickly realized that college band is dramatically different from my high school band experience. I went from a band of approximately 30 members to a band of approximately 260 members. I loved seeing more than just one of each kind of instrument; performances became surreal as well as powerful. I finally learned dot sheets for the first time while experiencing a different kind of camaraderie than I did in high school — on and off the field.
Moving in early
Tappan Hall, quad view
You get to make yourself at home ahead of everyone else (and pick the best side of the room). The feeling of an empty campus gives you plenty of time to prepare for what's ahead.
You become part of a family
Clarinet sectionals, MUMB Ohio
Andrea Ratiu
I've never been part of such a large, beautiful clarinet section before college. Marching band is a diverse organization which allows any major to join. Just think that there's several more different sections, each with more opportunities to make more friends. You'll definitely fit in one way or another.
Immediate social life
During my band camp, you endure four intense (yet REALLY fun) days of music memorization, dot sheets, physical training, pure glistening sweat and pleas for a water break. After 12 hours each day, different events are planned at night, and you get to spend more quality time getting to know the whole band.
Band trips
BOA, Lucas Oil Stadium
Andrea Ratiu
As long as you prepare yourself by getting homework done ahead of time, you get to miss classes (excused, of course) and travel with the band! I never really got to go on trips or vacations during my life, so band really allows me to see new places more often.
Weight loss
This is perhaps one of my most favorite things regarding band. I firmly believe marching band is a sport. I lose weight and keep myself in shape for all of the performances. I lost about 10 pounds during my first college band camp.
Being yourself unlike before
Notre Dame, unloading area
Andrea Ratiu
I came from a small, sports-invested, not so arts-invested community. I was often picked on for being in band, or rather being the only member of my class to be in band. My involvement wasn't viewed the same way it is now. Whenever I tell someone I march in college, their eyes light up, and I get a, "Wow, really? That's so cool."
Academic development
The aspect of understanding how to play an instrument, read music and move at the same time develops a serious discipline within you. You learn how to be balanced––mentally and physically. Your hearing, spatial recognition, memorization and overall stamina improves. This tends to correlate towards high grades and outright success.
Social media photography
If you're lucky, you get to be shown off on social media showcasing the choreography of a performance or anything representing your band. These make for bomb pieces of content to share and include on your profiles.
Performance milestones
Notre Dame Stadium
Andrea Ratiu
I got to perform on THAT field on that day. What an honor. I went from playing in front of barely any people at my high school games to nationally-renowned fields such as Notre Dame Stadium's.
Advanced school spirit
No one knows the fight song better than the band. We practically see the notes floating over our heads when we sing it, play it or happen to hear it elsewhere. Dancing at pregame events is essential, and it just comes so naturally. Each section holds its own routine and traditions. No matter how many games we lose, we feel content with two touchdowns or so. We love our school, and we're proud to have been chosen to represent our school spirit in such a manner.
So, if you're questioning whether you want to continue your band experience beyond high school, the answer should be a resounding yes.
