Merriam-Webster defines the word ‘sport’ as “a contest or game in which people do certain physical activities according to a specific set of rules and compete against each other”, and also as “a physical activity done for enjoyment.”

Now when people hear the word ‘sport’, their minds immediately go to something along the lines of baseball, football, soccer, swimming – activities such as those. But very rarely is it that someone would think of marching band after hearing that word.

I believe this is because for so many years we have this idea placed in front of us that marching band is an activity for ‘geeks’ or ‘nerds’, and that it doesn't require a whole lot of physical and mental skill. I’m here to tell you that these preconceived notions about marching band are far from what actually happens on that field. Marching band is an activity of intense physical and mental skills that come together to form one amazing performance on the field.

Not only are we voluntarily coming to school a couple weeks before classes actually begin, but we’re also not just sitting around tooting on horns during those weeks. We spend at least twelve hours a day focusing on our show for the season, and it requires a whole lot more than many even realize.

First of all, there’s the memorizing of music – which means that once we’re playing our show, there is no music in front of us whatsoever. Sure you may think that that is something easy, but really I encourage you to try. Secondly, we are learning the drill to our songs – this means all those movements and places we march and run to on the field, aren’t just random placements. We’ve actually spent hours upon hours memorizing where those places are and at exactly which times we should go to them. And lastly, is putting both of these aspects together – the memorized music to the memorized spots on the field. And keep in mind, band camp is usually in the middle of August – also known as pretty much the hottest month out of the year -- so it's not like this is on some luxurious indoor field. No, it's out in the blazing sun all day.

The physicality that marching band requires is intense. Not only are we marching around with the right movement in our legs, we’re also holding an instrument up at the perfect angle for hours at a time. And the breathing aspect of it all – getting enough air and energy to march to the correct spots and also play the music at the correct time, tempo, and loudness is all factored in.

Don’t forget that to warm up before we march for the day, we’re doing activities such as running laps, doing push-ups/sit-ups, and stretching very regularly. And I have seen my fair share of members passing out due to either exhaustion or too much sun.

Marching band is nothing short of what is defined as a ‘sport’ and it’s time that the activity itself and the people involved received the recognition they deserve. Hard work all season is what leads up to amazing shows every weekend within the season and even some other shows in between. We compete against other schools for championships and awards - and there is a point system to it all. There’s even a “major league” version of marching band, called DCI, or Drum Corps International. I highly encourage you to check that out, those guys and gals are seriously amazing – and work probably ten times as hard as marching bands do.

Marching band is intense and every day you have to really be ready to give it your all, or you end up letting the whole group down. It’s a highly demanding activity (SPORT!) but I don’t regret a single day that I have been involved in marching band. I have met dozens upon dozens of people that are dedicated, talented, and extremely hard-working, thanks to marching band. I believe that is it time we considered marching band a sport.