I won't ever rehearse with the marching band again.  I'm sad.  I hugged my fellow senior piccolo marching band member because we've survived a lot together.  I'm sad.  I have one more run with my school.

My dad, who hasn't advocated for my membership in the band, gently reminded me to soak up today and the finality of today.

It feels like just yesterday that I was a freshman, feeling like I had all the time in the world. 

I don't think we'll place well because of our early time slot.  We compete first: a small crowd and sunny sky.  Oh well.  We had an hour practice to supplement our Friday practice instead of a long practice.  I'm glad, although we need practice.  No amount of practice would ever suffice.  We got fourth my first year, then sixth, then sixth.  I would love to get better than sixth, although I'm not optimistic. 

Oh well, I'll remember laughing with the piccolos, cheering with the band, yelling stupid sayings at the award ceremonies, talking to my close friend on the bus ride, untaping her sticks.  As par tradition, the guys did a shirtless last run through, although we wore our suspenders.  They looked ridiculous in the band pants without a shirt.  It made me laugh.  Placing well would just be icing on the cake.  
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No more performances with my school ever, ever again.  It's so bittersweet.  I shared my lasting memory about that one blasted set I couldn't make freshman year and what our director said to me. 

When I say I fought, I mean I fought.  The wind blowing ferociously, I couldn't play part one.  Lovely.  During a hold in part five, I had to step out to catch my balance.  I had to stand there with my foot out for a very long time until we moved.  Oh well.  I couldn't help it. 

Some say that we did well, others didn't say so much.  We'll see.

So, I doubt I'll forget that someone got the pizza place employee to sing,"Can you feel the love tonight?" To the two young adult leaders who we've matched together.  It was really funny and memorable.  

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We finished with a disappointing 11th out of 13th place.  Oh well. With odds stacked against us, we did the best we could.  It wasn't our fault that we went first and that the 20 mph winds whipped around us.  Every year, I'm not satisfied with our placing and then we rank worse.  From fourth to eleventh.  Oh well. 

I'll remember the cheering and friends and funny moments with the band.  I'll eventually forget our placings, although placing well is exciting.

My last season may not be particularly memorable for placings, but I made fun memories this year.