When I was growing up, I was a band kid through and through.
In high school, I was part of concert band, jazz band, and marching band. I participated in any band-related activities that I could and I loved every minute of them. Band was my second family, a place where everyone belonged. School band, especially marching band, has always been associated with “geeks,” but not only am I unashamed about being a band kid, but I’m also proud to have been one. Band has taught me countless invaluable life lessons that have helped mold me into the person I am today.
When you participate in band, you learn to be responsible for yourself.
You have to be at practice on time. I learned very early on that in band, if you’re early, you’re on time. And if you’re on time, you’re late. And let me tell you, that lesson has been so important in my life. I’m still extremely punctual because of the time I spent in band.
High school marching band taught me that you have to put in your best effort if you want to succeed. You have to practice until your work is perfect – even if that means repeating the same section over and over again. In band, “one more time” never actually meant “one more time.” We practiced until we got the music right because there are no shortcuts to success. In life, you have to give your work everything you’ve got, and thanks to my time in band, I always do.
Band taught me not to take myself so seriously, too.
I learned that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s OK. In band, our director always told us to “play it loud and proud,” and I do the same in my everyday life now. When I make mistakes in my adult life, I do so with confidence and make them look intentional.
Being in marching band taught me that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. I always care about the people around me and try to collaborate because I know that if we don’t all succeed, then we all fail.
Band also taught me about commitment.
When you join marching band, you have to commit all of your time and energy to learning the music and routines. If you can’t commit to practices, competitions, and games, you let your bandmates down. To this day, I commit fully to everything that I choose to and respect everyone else’s time, effort and opinions.
Being a “band kid” taught me that there is more to life than success.
I learned that the journey is just as important as the destination (if not more so). I still make a point to do what I love in life, no matter whether I succeed, and I definitely have this approach because I was a “band kid.”
When I think of band, I don’t think about all the times I was physically exhausted, frustrated, or struggling to get by. I think of all the amazing memories – the laughs I had, the memories I made, and the lessons I learned along the way. I’m proud to have been a “band kid” because band helped mold me into a timely, committed, dedicated person who’s confident in her mistakes and know that success isn’t everything. I’m proud to have been a “band kid” in high school because it helped mold me into an adult I’m proud to be.
Featured Photo by Nate C on Unsplash.
