Experiencing my last football game of my high school career was like a fever dream; I didn’t want it to end just yet. For the previous three years, I have been a part of the Chamblee Marching Band. There has been nothing else that I looked forward to other than marching band in my fall semester. I endured many things and have come to appreciate the many learning, growing, and enjoyable moments of marching band.
I joined my sophomore year. I had no clue what I was getting myself into; I know that I did it for the funsies of it. I was only willing to do it if two of my peers back then, who are now my closest friends, were also going to do it. We decided to join and what a week that awaited us in July.
Band camp, a week like none other I have ever experienced. I had never been outside for such a long period of time, especially after Covid. But what was more nerve-racking than that was approaching and meeting new people. I was put into a new environment, only knowing that I was going to play my instrument and do an extraneous activity.
Through this activity, I was able to find a more inclusive environment. The people that I have gotten to meet throughout the years helped me become a better representation of the band, helped me grow as a person, and helped me be more outgoing. Through marching band, I was able to tie together all the years of playing my instrument to being physically active. Marching band challenged me physically and mentally.
My favorite moments have definitely been playing stand tunes at football games, and cheering the football team regardless if they’re winning or losing. Competitions are always a bit intimidating, but I had much confidence in the band to know that we were going to perform our best show. Every year we present a show and every year I have been taught new techniques to achieve the best show we can put on.
I am really glad to have participated for three years and I am glad to be a part of that community.
