Marching Band Loyalty

Summer before junior year of high school, I was looking at a lot of standardized tests, essays, a heavier school workload, college applications, and getting a driver's license; my most immediate concern, however, was the soon to begin marching band season. Spring semester of sophomore year I had decided to audition for a leadership position in the band, and I suppose I was the best candidate because I managed to snag Section Leader for my instrument, clarinet. As the final days of July passed by, I anticipated the start of a season where I would be mentoring and teaching my fellow clarinet players the complex art of marching band. A few days before leadership camp I received a letter in the mail from the Head Band Director, Mr. Larry Brown, and immediately I knew things were not going to be what I expected.

The guard revoted and the winning vote was me. All the girls saw me as their savior, and I was not going to let them down. They were my babies and I was going to lead them to success. The girls became confident and felt better having me as a captain. Some qualities that I have that made me be a great captain was being on task. I could slide a few jokes but i'd never get off track. I also never really yelled at them or raise my voice, i'm usually calm and mellow. Which for me was good because whenever they goofed around I would slightly raise my voice and they would all get scared and know I was not messing around. I also did not have a problem with any of them and I got along with all and was their friend, if they ever needed anything. I think the same applies for band because I have no problems with any of the band kids because i'm well known and liked. I also don't let anyone bring me down and I always speak up for myself or for others. I think my personality and characteristics give me an advantage of being in the leadership spot of drum

Most schools offer a variety of activities, classes, and clubs. I personally was never interested in school or anything to do with it. Then I came across band and was instantly hooked. Band has concerts, marching band, and you get to meet new people. Band is my favorite class and here are some reasons why.

I want to be a drum major and squad leader for the 2018 season of marching band. I know I have the leadership qualities that are needed to fill these positions. The current leadership experience I have through band is being a previous squad leader, holding three band officer positions, and at times being the Symphonic Band clarinet section leader. Outside of band I am a member of the National Honors Society and am a mentor in MVP. I also frequently volunteer with programs that help children and I have been a preschool teacher in one program.

I believe that I should be accepted for the position of Section Leader, because I am relatable, I make people feel welcomed and like they belong, I can be encouraging, I can have fun but when the time comes for me to be serious I can do that as well. While in the Boy Scouts I have held leadership positions so this is not something that is new to me. I know how to handle difficult situations and I feel that if given the opportunity to be section leader I can prove myself.

As Newt Gingrich once said, “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of the hard work you already did.” This quote applies greatly to marching band. Many people like to discredit it as something that is simply “walking around and playing an instrument,” but it is much more than that. We didn’t win championships across the east coast twice by doing something just anyone can do. No one perseveres quite like the band.

I already have leadership experience within the SIHS band so I understand what is expected of me and what I need to do. When I was Flag Captain, I had the responsibility of keeping track of a section and I would like to do that for the entire band. One of my strongest traits is my musical abilities. When I started playing instruments, I played the viola. I did that for three years, but then once I got to high school, I wanted to not do just color guard, but concert band- so I taught myself the bassoon. Once it was time for jazz band I realized I probably couldn't play bassoon there (even though that'd be pretty cool) I decided I wanted to play saxophone so I taught myself that as well. Aside from my primary instruments if I can try any instrument to get a better understanding of it I definitely take the opportunity. With the different instruments I’ve been exposed to reading treble, alto, tenor and bass clef, which comes in handy when reading a score and helping certain sections. Since I can read and play different kinds of music I am able to help more people in band with playing and fixing their music which is beneficial for a Drum Major. I also like to listen to many styles of music like various classical genres or jazz. If I hear a song or solo, I get the music, then try to learn and perfect

Hi, if you didn’t know I’m Morgan Fish. When Shave was talking about getting a new drum major this year I got excited because ever since my oldest sister, Alison, was in marching band I had always been fascinated by drum majors. I went to all of the football games so I could watch the field show. The field shows were and still are the most exciting part of the football game to me and now that I am actually a part of the show it is much more exciting. I absolutely love marching band.

So unfortunately, due to transportation problems, I was not able to attend the Queen City Battle of the Bands last weekend. However, I was able to see the whole showcase via YouTube and here are my thoughts on each Marching Band’s field show. I will be creating a separate post for the Stand Battles that were also held at the event.

Am I applying for Drum Major? I am gladly applying for Drum Major, I have been preparing myself mentally and physically. I know that conducting is just a little sliver of what the Drum Major does for the band, there is a massive amount of responsibility and mental awareness that comes with the title of Drum Major. Why do I want to become a Caprock Drum Major? I want to help this band to my fullest potential while also gaining experience for my later dreams of becoming a director myself. I want to help lead this band as one

Whether I play the jazz, classical, or the melodious ruckus of the marching band, the alto saxophone is how I reimbursed myself of my stress and anxiety with an indescribable feeling nobody but a musician can understand. This feeling is comprised of two parts: the playing and the team. While the playing produces a euphony that leaves you anticipating every breath you huff into your horn and dances out the bell, the team is my favorite part. Never have I anticipated or desired to be first chair, because I had always known that the second chair is the best. Despite the first chair getting all the glory, without the warm, complementary tones of the second part, the first, and even the band, could never achieve the beautiful potential it has. Together,

Please discuss one of the following and how it makes you the most uniquely qualified candidate for the APM position: personality and character, life experiences, involvement in extracurricular activities, or academic achievement. I have always loved being a cheerleader. I have been a cheerleader since the forth grade. Cheering was fun for me because it allowed me to be physically active and also allowed me to show my spirit which is what being a cheerleader is all about. One of my most challenging experiences in high school was when due to budget cuts the cheering program was cut in the fall of my senior year unexpectedly. It was very upsetting to me. There was discussion of an unpaid coach but our coach was not willing to provide the time given how much work it was and that she would not get paid. It was very disappointed and lost sleep given it was my senior year and many girls really wanted to cheer. I had been a tri captain my junior year and I felt responsible for the girls that had counted on this program. I decided to meet with the principal and the athletic director to ask them if I could lead the team and coach them and of course without pay. After several meetings with them, they decided to let me run with the program. It was the first time that a student was allowed to do this at Mountain Valley High School. They trusted me and felt that I could handle it. I stayed up countless nights very late doing choreography on my lap top as I had never done

In 5th grade I chose the trumpet and a love began that will follow me for most of my educational career. At first I did not know I would have this love, but this piece of brass I held in my hands would eventually turn into a passion. I grew older starting high school and begin a journey a journey through marching band. Freshman year band camp was absolutely miserable I was told it would be sunny and very very hot. I got there and every single day it rained. I almost quit band after that year just because I hated band camp. That would have been a huge mistake. In my sophomore year I auditioned and made it into the symphonic band. I was ecstatic and ready to become a better player. With a higher chair I had more responsibility I felt like I needed

One reason I would be a great option for leadership is my ability to lead others. Whether it is on the basketball court or in the classroom, I lead my fellow students and teammates. When leading I am able to distinguish who can do what and assign them a job that fits them with their

Marching band is a pretty exclusive group. If someone wanted to join, they would need to know how to play an instrument. Since marching band is exclusive, the ads target a very specific group of people. Not just anyone is going to go out and buy a marching step guide or a tuner. Some of these ads only apply to a subgroup within the band. The spinning prop, for example, is something that really only a flagline member would buy. I, a Mellophone player, have absolutely no use for a spinning prop. The Marching Step guide uses language, such as 8-to-5 marching, to make it clear what audience these ads are aimed at. Since the ads have such a specific audience, they are ads for things that people outside of this group would not even consider. The use of specific language in the ads break the stereotype that most people have of marching bands by revealing the behind-the-scenes aspects of marching bands.