Personal Narrative: Why I Participate In Marching And Concert Band

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.

I have been actively participating in the school band for five years. While most of my fellow classmates have dropped out of band, I have stuck with it because, I know band teaches me valuable

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

A love of marching band acts as fuel for the commitment the members put into it. The activity has rapidly grown into an important event I look forward to in the fall and whenever there is an upcoming event. Likewise, the band room has created a home. Marching season brings out excitement and determination in me in wanting to put on the best show we can. Moreover, band has inspired me to become my better self through physical, mental, and emotional challenge. It has helped boost my confidence as well. Overall, I have definitely grown as a person because of marching band. I would love to have a role within the student leaders of a sport and art that has

When I was in marching band finding my identity was one of the hardest things that I had to do. It took me to my senior year to fully understand what it meant to fully identify myself as a member of the Titan Regiment. What made me understand that I was a member because of recognition that I received in my last two years? Having the honor to lead my saxophone section in marching band and to be an inspirational figure to them recognized me. When this happened, it confirmed to me that I was really a member of the Titan regiment. This community defined me because it's built on top of my leadership skills that I currently had and it also help me to make more mature decisions as I got older. This experience did that by challenging me

I joined my high school’s marching band my freshman year, playing trumpet. I love playing trumpet, and being part of the trumpet section. I played trumpet during my Freshman, Sophomore

Memories began to race through my mind as I started to look back at the time when I first joined the marching band. Coming into high school, I was not reluctant to try out new things, and marching band was an activity that would allow me to open myself up to others and develop a strong sense

Never in a day would I have dreamed of joining the marching band. As an eighth grader, the idea of joining the marching band sounded horrendous. I never imagined myself as that “nerd”. Now, today as a senior in high school, I am so glad that I made the spontaneous decision to join as marching band was a significant chapter of my life.

I started playing Freshman year, against the odds and the social norm; I am still doing both football and marching band my senior year. I have grown into a more confident, social, and open minded person since I started high school. Accomplishing this time and energy consuming ordeal is what lead me to branching out and doing many more types of activities. Doing marching band and football is an achievement that was worth the hard work and dedication that I have had to put into

When I joined as an eighth grader, I did not have many friends, so marching band meant that I would be able to make new friends who accepted and shared my interests. Rehearsals were a place where I would be spending time with my second family. Through long, waterless hours on the field, friendships formed, and grew stronger the longer we spent together practicing. Marching Band gave me a place where I could feel comfortable, and a sense of acceptance what I never really got during my childhood. When things got hard, colorguard and my instructor, Jen, helped me get through the difficult parts of my

The marching band has also felt like a home away from home. If I wasn’t at home with my parents, I was on the band field. While being in the marching band at my high school, my long-term goal was to become their drum major for my last two years. I wanted to be the drum major that would cause the band members to put every ounce of passion into performing the show. Once I decided this during my freshman year, I put my heart and soul into my band. I stepped up to any work my band director needed help with. Whether it was fundraising or running OMEA (Ohio Music Education Association) events or lining the band field, I was there to show my band director I was ready to be a leader. My setback came when I didn't achieve section leader for the flutes

When I first joined the marching band in high school, I was very insecure and unsure of what to expect because it was very unfamiliar to me. Near the beginning of the season, our director and staff began to teach us how to march and play simultaneously. Many people were doing fine but some were struggling and I was one of those kids in that predicament.

Everyone knows who the band kids are. They see the band members marching under the Friday night lights and listen to their non-stop chatter about band. It’s easy to pick them from a crowd. I, despite my chagrin to admit it, am one of those kids.

Over the last six years I've heard marching commands over a thousand times. They are easy to execute when called separately, but slightly harder when called continuously. The march off has been a tradition in the band for the last forty years. Always on the parking lot at exactly 11:45 just fifteen minutes before lunch. When asked what a march off is, the best way I can describe it is as a giant game of Simon Says but with marching commands.

This year I am participating in the Area West Elementary Enrichment Band where I play the clarinet. I am proud of this because it is a large achievement in my passion, music. In grade 6 I was first introduced to the clarinet and instantly fell in love with it. Today I continue to play the same instrument. In Enrichment Band, I get to meet and play alongside other musicians who have the same passion and drive for music that I do. I also get to seek further learning opportunities within the band, such as the mc script I have received for the upcoming concert. Overall, the band is an excellent learning opportunity and I am truly privileged to have that opportunity available to me.