I constantly heard the jokes throughout my high school. Even in college, I still hear the ever popular joke with the resounding words, “this one time at band camp.” Well, perhaps it is possible that being a band kid isn’t really a bad thing. I’m going to be the first to say that not everything about being in marching band is all I’m cracking it up to be. Some things are absolutely lame and perhaps even worthy of the ridicule of others. The funny thing is that we know that, and we still don’t care. There is something beautiful about acting like a complete idiot in the midst of people who you know would never judge you. I also know that in my experience of being in marching band, I have experienced a thing or two about leadership. At first, it sucks and you really kind of suck at it, but as time goes on you get better at it.

That’s a lesson you learn early on college and for those that aren’t in band, it is a lesson that hits hard. In band, I learned to make sacrifices for the sake of the band, or my section in general (the lovely majorettes). I still have vivid memories of late night routine memorizing or section shirt making. I did it because I had to and because I knew it would be best for the team. Only those who are in a sport or club of any kind learn this lesson in such an early time as high school. Thankfully, there is something like marching band to allow everybody to experience this act of leadership. I may not have you convinced, nor will I ever convince you that being a band kid isn’t exactly a bad thing.

Frankly, I never came in with the intention of trying to convince you otherwise. I rather just wanted to inform you of the beauty that something like marching band can have. I met some of my closest friends in marching band, and having them in my life is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’ve heard every type of inspirational speech about having pride in the uniform you wear and keeping the traditions you share close to you, but truthfully my time in marching band was more than that. It was a community that I am forever engraved into and a fellowship that was forever engraved into me, for better or for worse. I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you are a struggling band kid in that classic “band kid” situation, I just want to let you know that you are awesome. Live in the moment that you have in high school marching band, before you know it, it will be over and you will have left is the beautiful memories of the great people you have met on your journey. Keep on keeping on and just embrace the “band camp joke”, the reality is that you’ll most likely be hearing it for the rest of your life.