Personal Narrative: Becoming Part Of The Band Family

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.

In hindsight, I have come a long way since my first day of band. There have been many friends, many failures, many victories, and many beautiful moments in the wake of my fateful decision in sixth grade. I can say without a doubt that being in band has strengthened my integrity and provided me with memories that I will cherish throughout the remainder of my

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

Of all the things I’ve ever experienced, being in the Blanche Ely Marching Band was the most meaningful. Growing up I couldn’t fathom the value of life’s intangible things, but my perspicacity grew when I made the decision to stay in the band. The most important lessons I learned while being in the band would be: the importance of resilience,

Lastly, being in band has made a great impact in my life because, I love it, I love music, and I enjoy being in something bigger than myself. I love the feel when each individual comes together to be part of something bigger than oneself. My main example would be marching band, due to all the individuals that it takes to make an entire show. Over two hundred and fifty individuals are asked to do various of tasks but at the end it is all worth it because, after every show or performance each individual will put all they have onto that field. Not only do I enjoy being in something bigger than myself but I also have a passion for music. Ever since I was little I was always interested in music and I wanted to play an instrument so when I got into

When I joined marching band in my freshman year of high school, I felt nervous and reluctant about joining because I questioned my abilities. However, I decided to commit myself to it so that I would know if it was something meant for me to pursue in the future. On the first day, I was overwhelmed with the many people who I did not recognize, and I started to feel as if I should never have come. Things began to change for me when I met an upperclassman named Sophie, who was my flute section leader. She was kind to everyone and did not get upset if anyone made a mistake in the music or marching technique, but rather, she gave constructive criticism. Sophie was an amazing leader and musician, and she was, and still is, a role model to me. Without

Your quiet leadership and what you do behind the scenes to help your section and those around you become the best they can be is such an example. I am so proud of you. When somebody asks me about the Marching Band program at Alta, I immediately think of you and the different memories that we have. My heart swells with love and passion for our friendship and how much you go through to make those around you proud. It is so ridiculously hard to leave this program each day; knowing that the day is over and we cannot progress as a whole until the next rehearsal. Though each day we rip ourselves away from this room, I know full well that you are continuing to better yourself and grow in your abilities wherever you may

During my freshman and sophomore year, I can admit that I was lazy in band. But as my Junior year approached, I suddenly learned I would become the leader of the trombone section. A switch suddenly turned on in me and that entire summer I practiced like never before, drastically improving, and truly falling in love with my instrument. That year I had two freshman underneath me. I learned many lessons that year, how to deal with attitudes, when to be strict, when to let up, and how to guide them in the right direction. And the most important lesson of all, when to take fault and admit my wrongs.As a senior, I now have 5 people under me and I'm still learning to lead as I go. But, I can leave being proud of my section and the leader I've

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

Being the Drum Major really changed my point of view and standards for myself and for others. As a drum major you have to have a lot of patience as well as strong leadership skills. The test of those skills is one of the biggest causes for the changes within me. Prior to becoming drum major I was already quite a perfectionist which, while it did cause some issues, only grew more in my time in office. However while going through the marching season, I discovered something about myself that I had previously never realized. I had the ability to be able to not only use my strive for perfection for giving criticism out but also to build others up.

Throughout my life I have experienced many events that have changed my perspective on life. From life goals like receiving your first job or learning how to drive, each one is important in its own right. Ever since freshman year I have been a member of the Montour Spartan Marching Band as a flute player, and a lot has happened since the first time we marched onto the football field to perform our halftime show. Because of marching band I’ve learned to deal with and accept change and responsibility.

To be honest the previous three years of my marching band experience in high school was only a small part of a larger whole. All the way back in the fifth grade when I picked out my instrument and made the choice to learn how it works, to accept the help of others along the way and to assume responsibility for it and other scholarly activities is just the beginning of what got me to where I am. Next came the middle school experience with increased difficulty of lessons and technique as well as the camaraderie between teachers and friends, the same comradery that brought us all together in high school and kept us together to work on, an at the time, an impossible feat. To be honest, the simple fact that not one action or moment defines my experience to this day will also define my experience in the future. Just as i have received help from various sources to get to where I am, I also count on you, the staff of Midwestern University, to help and guide me through any and all fields of study I

There are many groups that I am able to identify myself with, but the most principal community that I am a part of is the music community. This may seem a little general at first, but I think naming it the music community fits just right. At first, the people involved with music like band, orchestra, or choir seem like a complete mismatch of students ranging from all ideologies and cultures. In reality, we all have something in common: the love for music. This seemingly simple shared interest, is something that binds us together. We all work hard to progress and improve our musical skills whether we are together or doing a solo. Having a common obstacle is what bonds people together. That obstacle is having the ability to perform the song or

This was a topic I was very nervous to talk about. Rock bands, punk rock, post hardcore and so many other types of alternative music aren’t always liked by everyone. So this is me getting out of my comfort zone and just telling everyone the day that bands changed my life. So hold on to something because this is about to get good.

Ninety-eight thousand one hundred and eleven tweets: an impressive tally for a seventeen year old superfan. Little did I know that creating a Twitter account back in eighth grade would crack the doorway to my future. June 25th, 2014, however, was the day I believe the door was fully opened; exposing me to an array of opportunity and potential. I counted down the days to my first Fifth Harmony concert months in advance. My friend and I arrived at the venue hours before the show was scheduled to begin; I was eager to be first in line, but eight girls beat me to it.