My Feelings on Marching Band

I realized something.  I usually blog about what happened, not my feelings.  I guess that's not necessarily a bad thing though, a mix of events and emotions would be better for this blog.

So, right now, I feel mixed things about marching band.

I'm frustrated because it's a lot of commitment, and I feel like I can't do any of the activities my youth group plans because of marching band.  For example, my youth group went to a zoo, and I couldn't go because of a band competition.  Now, it's a pain in the butt to try to go on the weekend camping trip, since I have a football game, and my dad won't let me miss it.

Marching band is also frustrating because it's really hard for me.  I'm just not that coordinated to march in time, play from memory, and keep good technique all at the same time.  My mom told me at the competition yesterday, she sat next to some ladies she didn't know.  Apparently, they were practically begging her to not let me drop marching band, and they said the first year's always the hardest.  It seems like people are always giving me suggestions, and there's no way that I can remember everything they tell me.

Another thing I don't like about marching band is rehearsals.  They are always long and tedious. (see my other posts on that.)  It seems like the weather is never right.  During band camp, it's really hot, and during November, it's always cold.  The uniforms keep heat in, but don't keep the cold out.

On the other hand, there are some things I do like about marching band.  I like the social aspect of marching band, meeting and getting to know people in the marching band.  I like competing, because it gives me a reason to work hard on my part of the show.  One of my favorite parts of marching band is playing in the stands at a football game, since you can sit and talk between songs.

If I wanted to get the "Best of Both Worlds," I would audition for the pit.  I would play percussion, and not have to march.  The only problem with that is I don't know the first thing about playing percussion.

Overall, I would tell anyone who is debating whether or not to do marching band, I would say to go for it.  That way, you know whether or not you like it, and you can do it again if you enjoy it.  Also, as a freshman, you're allowed to not know everything, and get a lot of help from upperclassmen.  As a senior doing marching band for the first time, people look up to you, expecting you to know everything.


I think I will do marching band next year.