Up until two weeks before my freshman year, I was convinced that marching band was not the thing for me. The day of orientation, I changed my mind. Looking back, that was likely one of the best decisions I have ever made to date. At the time, I did not understand what band is. That is why I am telling you; I hope you do not make the mistake I almost did.

Band is a family, in all aspects. Band is 140 people that want to put a smile on your face on your worst of days. Band is the memories you have in high school. It is the lunch table you sit at, and the respect you get from your peers and teachers. Band is a lesson in self-discipline and self-respect. Band is the most memorable and chaotic and downright fun Friday nights you could imagine. Band is sometimes holding still and appreciating everything you have in life.

Marching band is the notes you did not even know your instrument could play and the coordination you had no idea you even possessed. It is being a part of something so much greater than yourself that waking up at 5:30 in the morning is actually worth it. Band is growing in leadership skills and gifts unique to you and you alone. It is a group of teenagers that function like the most mature and productive adults, with a smile on. It is a director and leadership team that cares more about your success than anyone ever has before. Band is a place where it is okay to not be flawless. It is dropping your clarinet underneath the bleachers or falling on your face during the show, and learning to laugh about it.

Marching band is a great, big, unforgettable show, that you will never regret being a part of.

I thank God every day because I have been a part of marching band! Before high school it was hard for me to feel like I fit in with anyone because I had different interests than other kids at the time. I wanted to be able to work hard but also have a good time, while it seemed others just wanted to slack off and "skate by" with the bare minimum. Because of this I was nervous out of my mind to go to high school, I thought things would just get worse, but fortunately I was in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Band started a week before high school started, and at first I was very nervous about getting to know people, but I found out that people had the same interests as I did. Everyone was hilarious and not just that, but they actually wanted to get stuff done and exceed at doing it! Wow! People I actually like - I could finally breathe again!

On the day high school started I already had a place to sit at lunch and I already had friends, and not just any friends, friends of all agaes, including seniors. That's right - I had the ultimate cool-freshman status! My life shot sky high from then on - I've worked harder than I've ever had but I know that I'm enjoying life more than others do. I feel so accomplished for as young as I am - I could not ask for anything more because everything is so perfect right now. I had never thought something as seemingly slight as band could do these amazing things for people!

And now as I go on through my high school years, I know that the band's legacy will continue because marching band doesn't just teach kids how to blow air through an instrument and walk at the same time, it teaches young adults life fundamentals that they will use every day. Band is everything from a fine art to a sport to a social network, the perfect place for kids who aspire to do and be something more in life.

I could never imagine my life without it.