Dear marching band,

I remember the first day of band camp in August of 2011. Walking to the check in desk with a bag of apples and a 24 pack of water bottles, which was requested from each freshman every year. I was nervous to begin because I have never been in the heat for more than twenty minutes at a time, but what I was really nervous about was fitting in. Five years later, reflecting back to my years by your side, you welcomed me with open arms and gave me memories of a lifetime. Through all the three-hour practices, Friday night football games, endless days in the heat and through all the drama, I wanted to thank you for teaching me a few things.

Thank you for teaching me perseverance

When it comes to marching band, it’s easy to get frustrated. Something as easy as playing the wrong note, going the wrong way on the field or even forgetting how the part went can send you off the edge. Sometimes it felt easier to just put my instrument down and do something else, but that is not what you taught me. Marching band has taught me to not give up, no matter how tempting it sounds.

Thank you for teaching me to not care about judgment from others

Many times throughout my band experience, the band director put people on the spot and made them play their part in front of the entire band. Like always, some were not as strong as others and the rest of the band members would snicker if a person did not know their part. Gossip was also a big part of being in band. Everyone (somehow) knew everything about everyone. But thankfully, being in band has taught me not to care about what others think. Band as taught me not to fear judgment, but rather embrace it and to turn your cheek the other way.

Thank you for all the friendships

Since the marching band met 3 times a week for rehearsal and then every Friday for a game, the band kids were all so close. It felt like we were spending every waking moment with one another. But spending every moment with each other made us a family. Except for a few, mostly everyone got along and was friendly towards one another. Throughout the years, marching band has given me so many friends and friendships that lasted for years. So thank you for all the friends, marching band.

Thank you for teaching me how to be a team player

In order for everything to succeed in marching band, everyone must do their part. Everyone must play their part and go their way on the football field. However, some kids were stronger players than the others and some were stronger marcher than others. Marching band has taught me that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, so instead of trying to change their weaknesses, marching band has taught me to learn how to use everyone’s differences.

Finally, thank you for all of the great memories

During my four years of being in the marching band, it has given me so many memories. One year, the band took a trip to Washington, DC and I got to experience that. Another year, the band played music from The Phantom of the Opera and I got my first solo. I still remember the feeling of accomplishment it gave me when I played it in front of the football crowd for the first time. So thank you, marching band, for all of the great, fun-filled memories you gave me.

Much love,
Brianna