Dear Band Family,

I know that it's been a year since I graduated and since I left band, but I want you to know that I will never forget all the amazing memories I made, people I met and lessons I've learned. You all made my high school experience what it was and I wouldn't change that for anything in the world. Even though I didn't know all of you personally, you were all my family, and I want to thank you all for making high school amazing.

Now, I know I was not the best flute player in band. So when I made it into wind ensemble junior year, I can admit I was in shock. I actually went into the band locker room and cried. I've never been so proud of myself because I know how hard I worked to get there. But I couldn't have done it without all the people who made me want to get better. I looked up to all the flute players who were older than me and only hoped that one day I could be half as good as them. And I hope the younger players looked up to me. And when my last concert came around, it didn't hit me that I wasn't going to be playing my flute anymore until we started playing "Reflections On A New Tomorrow." It finally hit me that I was leaving, and I wouldn't be with my band family anymore. I cried a lot after that concert.

Just like everyone else, I complained about marching band probably more than 1 billion times. Especially during band camp when it was about a million degrees, and we had to be outside all day and learn our sets. It was the worst when people would move in a hold — like don't move in Mr. K.'s hold! But I can say that as the years went on, marching band became my favorite part of the year. I couldn't wait to go to band camp and spend the week with some of my best friends doing what I loved doing. I couldn't wait for all the football games, parades, competitions and bus rides to those competitions. Those bus rides are where some of my absolute favorite memories are from. Especially once I joined color guard, and we were put on the same bus as saxophones. That was quite a group. We always had something... interesting to talk about.

To my color guard family, I just want to say I love you all more than words can describe and way more than you know. Being in color guard allowed me to meet some amazing girls who are some of my best friends. I know we weren't the best color guard in the state, and I know we all didn't get along all the time, but I can say I was proud to be part of a guard that worked hard to get to where we were. Even if we never got first, I was proud of whatever we got because I know the effort put forth to get there. We would go in during study hall or lunch and just practice the routine over and over again. We worked hard to get to where we were. But this year, you were all amazing. I would watch your performance in complete awe. Every time you were in sync or tossed the flags and didn't drop them, I wanted to cry because I was so proud. You all worked even harder this year, and it really showed. I'm proud to say that I come from a guard that loves what they do and that never gives up.

I also want to say that there are always going to be people who say marching band isn't a sport or that we don't work harder than the football team. And there will be people who think band is stupid and will talk badly about it. Just ignore them. They don't understand the commitment it takes, and they certainly don't understand the love and passion we have for what we do.

Joining band back in fifth grade was definitely the best decision I have ever made. I sometimes sit back and think, "What would my life be like if I hadn't joined in fifth grade?" I can tell you I probably wouldn't have met all the people I did. I wouldn't have the stories I have or experienced things I did.

To everyone in band, stick with it. It might not seem like fun all the time, because it's not. It takes a lot of work and commitment and at times, it can get pretty stressful. But trust me, after you graduate, you will look back at your time in high school and be glad you stayed. You will always have something to come back to. They are your family, your home away from home. They will always be there. I just want to say one last thing to my band family. I love you all so much, and thank you for the memories that will last a lifetime. Ohana.