Nothing makes my skin crawl more than lizards, hair on the inside of a shower curtain and hearing someone talk about marching band negatively. That last one seems out of place, I know, but let me make myself clear: marching band is NOT for "losers" or "geeks."
Marching band was one of the most competitive, inspiring and demanding times of my entire life. Those three years completely flew by and, while I don't miss rehearsing for three weeks straight in the 114-degree Oklahoma heat on a blacktop before rehearsing for three months in the 40's, I do miss the people, the laughs and the adrenaline of performing underneath those Friday night lights.
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The media portray marching band as chubby kids in glasses, stumbling over their own two feet, or Spongebob doing this.
My marching band went to Grand Nationals my freshman year of high school and placed seventh in the nation. We had over 400 players and were recognized for a wide variety of achievements across my time with the band. We even marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland my junior year. Tell me, how many other bands can say that?
Maybe I feel so strongly about the way people view the average marching band because my time in the Pride of Owasso was anything but average. I can't compare it to the physical demands of soccer, basketball or track, but taking a lap when people were late or talking, getting trained on teamwork and having to balance way more than one skill at once were not foreign to me.
When you go to a football game, many individuals use halftime to go to the bathroom, get food, check your phone or hear the stories of those being recognized that night. The band is at the bottom of the list for many, but not in Oklahoma. The band was treasured and something to be proud of. We'd be recognized as a member of the Pride of Owasso out in the community and receive nothing but praise. It felt nice to be a part of something bigger than yourself because it was something you loved, something you valued.
Marching band is one of the most family-oriented activities I have ever been apart of. You go through highs and lows with those people, and even after 12 run-throughs you still want to get dinner after because that's the culture you've helped create. I'll never look back at those times and regret the hours spent because I know the people I cherish most from that part of my life wouldn't think about regretting them either.
One Mind. One Mission. One Heart.
