Creative Writing: The LTHS Marching Band

Sunshine was pouring out from in between the buildings, casting shadows all around Ponyboy and the gang as they walked to Pony’s school. They were taking their time walking down the streets and for the first time they all were really seeing what was all around them. Memories were surfacing in their minds showing them what it all meant to them. With every step they took on the sidewalk they remembered a different memory as if they were walking down memory lane. Ponyboy didn’t think it was possible for him to be walking down this street for the last time as a high school student, but he had gone through the years with great grades that earned him many scholarships.

All of this contributed to me joining the marching band, beginning in eighth grade, which has taken over my life now, in the best way possible and given me a defined place. It’s nice to be a part of something like

I comfortably drive my car into the desolate street, Perusing the deserted buildings, Smashes windows and rusted For Sale signs. The car locked up like Fort Knox. I observe the street for trouble. Two young boys look at me from afar as if I'm an alien. Do I stand out that much same greasy hair, expensive clothes, a smart car I suppose I am out of my comfort zone? “Mister, you don’t belong here” his hand gripped his switch. “Pony.... Ponyboy Curtis” I stammer “I live here or at least I did, I'm here to see two-bit’ The Boys turn around “geez his old now” the boy's chirp. The boys stroll away in awe that they saw the great Ponyboy.

Jefferson City, TN- The Jefferson County Patriots, comeback from eleven-points down in the third set to sweep the South Doyle Cherokees 25-21, 28-26, 25-23, on Thursday night at the Patriot Academy.

I have always looked to spend more time in music, so even with the challenges of marching band I have been the lead bassist for my school’s top jazz band all four years of my journey. Even with the time I spend in marching, I spend at least four hours a week creating music with my peers. In this I’ve not only been able to prove to myself that I can play, but I’ve also learned how to synergize with my fellow musicians to make something beautiful. I’ve been able to transfer this to my life outside of band through group projects and community service projects.

The driver, Cecilia Blair, of vehicle 1 was traveling north through the intersection of N. State St. and Flint St. when she had a collision with vehicle 2. The driver, Jacqueline Muir, of vehicle 2 was heading west on Flint St. when she was struck by vehicle 1.

When I first joined marching band after seventh grade, I missed the first summer practice to see a concert. At that time, I had no idea how much band would come to mean to me nor the unexpected amount of dedication needed. Before marching band, music was merely a casual thing, but it has transformed this old hobby into a greater priority. After just one season, this shift was noticeable. I certainly did not consider missing two days of a Disney World vacation to march at nationals when first reading the schedule. But this beloved sport worked its ways in a few short months. Through two marching seasons and a winter concert, band became one of the most prominent activities in my life.

After attending different schools throughout Texas, I have accumulated essential skills and strengths needed in order to be part of a functional and successful school community. Being a straight A’s honors student, I can contribute to The Kinkaid School’s excellence by bringing all my knowledge, high motivation, and energy to the classroom. Participating in classes since the age of five, I have explored a variety of different art media including acrylic, oil, drawing, clay and sculpture, sewing, printmaking, and more. My interest in instruments began at the age of 6, when I played the piano for two and a half years. I was also first chair clarinet in my middle school band during fifth and sixth grade, and I continued playing during eighth grade.

Not only am I the head drum major of my band, but I’m also the president of concert band, a member of the handbell choir (for three years), and apart of my school’s jazz band (for four years). I take this responsibility very seriously and try my best to aid my band director whenever I can. Besides band, I am a member of the school chorus (for two years), the women’s ensemble (for two years), my school’s chamber choir (for two years), and a community choir (for five years)! Music, ever since middle school, has been the driving force that’s kept me busy in life. While other students were bored in study hall, I always was able to resort to my band room to practice. In my high school career, I have had the honor to attend two (going on three) district band festivals and one (hopefully two) region band festivals. These opportunities have been nerve-wracking, yet extremely informing and exciting. My life as a musician has made me think differently on life and provided insight on

“Mr. Josten, Mr. Josten!” yelled one of the eighth graders from my current math class in Crescent Middle School. I figured it would be another out of context question, as that was the norm for Andrew. Andrew had always seemed to be the one who tried his hardest, but could not focus on his schoolwork, or anything for that matter. I acknowledged his raised hand to hear, “what would happen if someone figured out how to pass things through time?” I figured since there was a small amount of time left in the class period, I could answer his question thoroughly since I majored in both math and science. “Well Andrew, if I had to guess I would say that someone would receive that object unexpectedly in a different time period. However, if someone creates

Taking a deep breath, Levi closed the door to his personal quarters. A loud sigh escaped his lips as he collapsed on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Although he was known for showing little to no emotion, Levi nearly broke down crying at least three times throughout the day. Levi had dealt with some pretty rough shit in his thirty years of life, but between the starving and constipation, absolutely nothing could have possibly prepared him for the suffering that would be brought to him by the latest Survey Corps Recruits.

Yes! Yes! Yes! My mom told me the news. I made the team after only two tryouts. Now, I play for the Fort Wayne Sport Club. I have been playing soccer for about seven years now, mainly because I just love the sport. This is my second year with the Fort Wayne Sport Club. I hope to play soccer for the rest of my life.

Thanks again for your help! That's wonderful to hear! I'm actually back in Dunellen working with my father and doing some subbing here and there. I would be interested in providing information and help on the Valley Forge Encampment, however, I do not have many materials or props about the park or the encampment. So, if you don't think it would be in your best interest in coming into the school, I wouldn't mind doing something through Skype or email. Sincerely -Russell Brindley.

During the past year, I have made several contributions to the marching band. Most profoundly, I made up one of four drums working in sync to combine separate parts into one. Without my presence the music would be disjointed when played. As part of percussion, my contribution to the band is providing a steady and consistent rhythm to support wind instruments. More broadly, I have contributed my time to attend all practices arriving on time, and meeting outside of school for additional practices and sectionals. On the other hand, I have also helped other members of my section with music when needed, Lastly, I have helped stay after on occasions to clean up, load, or help unload equipment.

A variety of students have told me that they’d never be in marching band because it demands a lot of time and dedication. Though I concede that band does require a lot of time, it still is not enough reason to not be in it. Every discourse community is different when it comes to their goals, ideals, and diversity. They require different attributes in order to effectively join them, in other words to “fit in” but certainly they all require commitment and time. Therefore, I encourage everyone to join band, some of your best memories will root from it as well as long lasting friendships that can benefit you in the future. I am personally a part of the band community, especially the marching band side and can prove it through the use of logos, ethos, and pathos.