From the summer before 4th grade, until my senior year of high school, I was involved in band. From 4th grade to 7th grade I played the French Horn and from 8th grade to 12th grade, I played the Baritone. Being in band really taught me a lot and really made me grow as a person. So, here are the top 5 things I learned about life and about myself, by just being in band.

1.)I learned how to take rejection.

All through band, I never was the best musician in the room. I was just okay. I remember in middle school, I tried out for the jazz band and didn't make it in. That only pushed me to work even harder and to be a lot more dedicated. I was told that I needed to practice more often too. Even though it took me a little bit, I tried even harder and harder. I gave myself encouragement when I did a good job and immediately corrected myself right after I made a mistake.

2.) I learned to try different things.

Playing two different instruments in my band career was definitely a challenge. Even though the Baritone and the French Horn were both brass, I still had to learn new fingerings once I made the switch. It took me a little bit to catch up with the rest of the band because of this, especially in high school.

3.) I learned how to take constructive criticism.

I was never good with criticism, no matter what type it was. I would always take certain things too seriously and the words would always get to me. I was always called out because of something I did wrong. It got to me for a while and because of this reason, I didn't want to be apart of band. When I wasn't called out, I gave myself a pat on the back. Those were the days that I blended in. After a while, I took constructive criticism better. I wrote myself notes when I was called out and worked on these things to improve in the long run.

4.) I could hear music jokes and understand them.

Being in band, you learn a lot of terms. Some you remember forever, others you only remember for a short amount of time. Music jokes are actually really funny, so by being in band, I was able to laugh along.

5.) I made some great relationships and some forever friends.

By being involved in band, I was able to meet some really great people. Band has introduced me to some amazing people. I also had some of the best teachers in band, that I can ask for.