Hmm, what should I say about band? I spent seven years of my life devoted to something and have yet to rate it. Ok. I got involved in band because I had had piano lessons in grade school and it was something fun that my friends were doing so I joined. I worked my way through junior high and in the 9th grade got the opportunity to study with the Professor of Trumpet at our local University. Through his teaching, I got a lot better and eventually was old enough to join high school band. This is where everything changed. When they took us outside, I, being a 9th grader, had never been to a high school football game, and didn't really know what marching band was about, but boy was I about to find out. Before I tell you about it, I must say that marching band is more of a religion than an after school activity where I come from. We went to camp up at the school for two weeks (8 to 5) to learn how to march. The training was rigorous. We ran laps for conditioning, for when we messed up a fundamental, for when we moved at attention. We got water breaks about every two hours, but it wasnt nearly enough. We made it through the first day, though and eventually it became fun. It became a matter of pride not to have to fall out of attention because of the heat. For hours on end we would repeat our fundamentals until everyone got it right. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Several people got sick because of the heat, but wanted to stay outside because they cared so much. One day, I had to run 24 laps around the football field. I remember the football team was having two-a-days over on the other field and they were amazed that we ran almost as much if not more than they did. I had never worked so hard in my life. Then we went to... Wayland Springs. I had heard about it from the older kids but didn't know what to expect. It was a dilapidated old Methodist church camp in the middle of Nowhere, Arkansas. The parents (band mammas and papas) who had had kids in band the longest said it was the hottest summer they'd seen in years. One day it reached 108F. We worked tirelessly to put the show on the field by the exhibition at the end of the week. All day and into the night we marched (the parents would pull up their vehicles and turn their headlights on so we could see in the dark). Our director worked harder than anyone because she cared so much about us. Anyway, in the end we had one of the most disciplined bands in the state. We had nothing short of unwavering allegiance to a common purpose and a sense of pride the likes of which I have not experienced since. We called it esprit decor. My senior year, band not only thought me about music, but about leadership, when I was chosen as Drum Major. I cannot express the emotions I felt while leading them. I know people make fun of band geeks and all, but I am a completely different person, no, a better person today because of band and because of what it taught me. Ill never forget what it felt like to dress them down. Its a call and response that we did after every show or contest. Me first, and then the band: FEET... (TOGETHER), STOMACH... (IN), CHEST... (OUT), SHOULDERS... (BACK), CHIN... (UP), EYES... (WITH PRIDE), EYES... (WITH PRIDE)

I still have my varsity letter from my four years of marching and concert band. It's prob one of the biggest influences in my life, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. For those of you out there who aren't decided about band or any other after-school activity, i have this to say.: find something you like, stick to it, and have fun doing it. Whether it's band, football, or some other activity, find one that suits you and go for it. You'll never regret it later. :)

I doubt things have changed much, but back when I was in high school there were two types of students, band people and anti-band people. While I probably would have typically fallen into the latter category, I enjoyed (and still enjoy) music. Band allowed me to learn (or relearn) how to read music and play an instrument, in my case the sexophone (err... saxophone). Marching was a pain, but the symphonic season in the spring usually made up for that aggravation. Unfortunately, many too cool for school students are (or at least were) also too cool for band. Fortunately, many realize years later that they missed an opportunity.

I am currently a member of my school's marching band, pep band, and concert band and I can't begin to express the excitement I have for it. I began playing the clarinet when I was in fourth grade. Band is such a wonderful experience that requires teamwork, concentration, and a will to excel. I know there have been people known to make fun of band members and that leads to not as many band members or band members who feel uncool. But you know what, when you love something, why care what anyone else thinks? I say, atleast try band, because it never hurts to try something new.