Band has been a part of my life since I was in fifth grade, or even before that if you count the many times I looked at my mom’s old flute and wished I could play it. In band I met some of my closest friends, learned determination and leadership, and experienced some of the highlights of my high school career. And yes, there was time in there to learn how to actually play the flute. Pretty well I might add.

The thing about band though, is that there tends to be certain "band things" that everyone who has ever been in a high school band has experienced, especially those of us who’ve been in marching band. These inside jokes (or horrors, depending on who you ask) turn all of us casual instrumentalists into outright band geeks. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

1. You think being called a “band geek” is a complement.

2. You practice marching around the house and practice fingerings on your pencil.

3. You refer to people based on what instrument they play.

4. You enjoy the fact that summer ends a week early for band camp.

5. You think the best part of a parade is the band, not the candy

6. You’re incapable of watching another band without silently judging them

7. It bugs you if you’re out of step with the person in front of you even if you’re just walking down the street

8. Your non-band friends know so much from what they’ve heard from you they’re practically band members themselves

9. You’re willing to become a morning person for you 6:45 am sectional

10. You keep deodorant and sunglasses in your locker

11. You think band qualifies as a sport and you’ll argue for hours with anyone who disagrees

12. You’ll still be outside for class at the beginning of November.

13. You feel best about yourself when you’re in uniform.

14. You name your instrument.

15. You have perfected how to still be able to play your instrument when you can’t feel your fingers.

16. When you doodle you find yourself unconsciously drawing the bass and treble clef signs.

17. You think finally getting into symphonic band is the biggest honor of your high school career.

18. You’ve memorized the drum cadence and it sometimes plays over and over in your head for hours.

19. Your life ends when your reed chips.

20. The most embarrassing moment of your life was when you squeaked during a concert and the rest of the band won’t ever let you live it down.

21. The phrase “one more time” has caused you to have trust issues.

22. You find yourself humming band songs and no matter how hard you try one is always playing in the back of your head.

23. You have perfected how to fit at least five layers under your uniform.

24. You find yourself walking to the band room instead of your locker between classes.

25. You invite family and friends to come to football games, but only so they can enjoy you being in the half-time show.

26. You call spit “water” and regularly empty it on the band room floor.

27. Chairing is one of the most stressful events of your life.

28. You willingly go to other people’s band concerts.

29. The band is your family.

30. You can think of thirty reasons why you’re a band geek!

Not everyone has had the chance to experience the joys of being a member of the band, but for those of us who have, we wouldn't give it up for the world. Band teaches persistence, determination, cooperation, and what it looks like to be part of something bigger than yourself. Though it's sometimes a struggle, in the end, Band is a big part of what shapes is into the people we are.