To the marching band as the season comes to an end:

Being a freshman in college now, I realize and understand the vital role that marching band has played in my life. For four years since I was 14-years-old, most of my weekends and nights after school were taken up by the marching band and the lovely people who would also become my family over time. Now, being 18 and moving far away from my home and everything I know, I am fully aware of the impact that the marching band has had on my everyday life.

When I first walked in the doors of my high school band room, I never thought I would have come as far as I did within the past four years. Band challenged me in more ways than I thought it ever could, and it helped shaped me into the person I am today. It forced me to acquire skills that would benefit me in the future, such as time management and working as a team to get the big picture across to other people. I made lifelong friendships and connections with people that I wouldn't trade for the world, and grew into a confident, outgoing person who is extremely disciplined and strives for perfection. And I can only hope the members both before and after me feel the same as I do.

So, as this marching band season begins to slowly die down and the indoor seasons begin to pick up over the winter: enjoy every moment you have left on the field. There eventually will come a time where all of us will not be able to participate in such an event, and whether we as individuals go on to perform in professional corps or end our marching band careers in high school, it is important to remember that nothing will ever be the same as the friendships and memories made in high school marching band. Nothing will ever be the same as walking into the band room for the first rehearsal of the season your freshman year of high school not knowing what's to come, and nothing will ever be the same as the last championship performance of your senior year. Seniors, enjoy every moment and be sure to soak in everything around you, whether you decide to further your music career or not. Your best friends in the band will always have your back and be by your side when you need them; I know mine always have. Smile and enjoy the littlest things at rehearsals, and be sure to leave every last amount of effort on the field for every performance, especially for that final last performance. You'll be able to watch it at your own leisure, but you will never be able to live through such a time ever again.

Take pride in what you do always, and soak in every moment you have left with your friends, family, and your directors. All of them have taught you so much within the past four years and I know that for me personally, I would never have blossomed into the musician and person I am today. I will be forever grateful for everyone in that program that has had an impact on my life, and take great pride in knowing that I was a part of something so much bigger than myself.