Exhausted.

Hours of time poured into a nine-minute show.

A third of summer taken.

And I wouldn’t change a thing

It involves intense movement and beautiful sounds. It is Marching Band, and as much as I love it, it is a rough few months.

And yet, here I am, a senior, and still in the program. My inability to quit is not due to the fact that band is super fun or that we go on trips. It is due to the hard times, the long hours and the final reward of performing.

To tell the truth, I don’t really remember the actual performances I have finished in some of the most notable sports arenas across the country, such as Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. But, after the performance, when faces are plastered with smiles when we are so exhausted from what seems like the longest day ever; this feeling makes me continue to do this strange, yet amazing activity each year.

Marching band is so drastically different from the rest of the band year. Marching band includes everyone; from the youngest player to the first-chair symphonic player. This full group effort makes this activity so special.

Everyone plays their part and everyone is counted on.

The group aspect makes the long hours worth it and makes the rewards so much greater. It allows 250 teens, from all different backgrounds, skill levels, and personalities, to  come together-despite the hard physical aspects- and make something so amazing.