If the first few blog posts were not enough of an endorsement for this program, I wanted to take an entire post to cover my journey of involvement with this group and why I think it is hugely beneficial for anyone that truly commits to it.
It’s hard to imagine now, but marching band was a near miss for me. I was adamant in the 8th grade that I did not want to be a member of the marching band, considering it too big of a time commitment for me. Thank goodness for my middle school band teacher, Ms. Fullagar, who constantly encouraged me and pushed me to consider this activity. Honestly, I do not know what kind of person I would be without going through the marching band program. It has shaped my personality and developed my leadership skills in ways that I could have never imagined as a freshman.
In the 9th grade, I remember looking at the Drum Majors, Cady Shields and Ollie Shinn, in awe because I knew that there was NO WAY I could ever get up on a podium and remember tempos and lead the entire band. Little did I know that nothing could be further from the truth. As I grew more passionate for both the marching band and the community it created, I found myself becoming more invested in the younger members and actively pursuing ways to help them have the same amazing experience that I had during my freshman year. Over my first two marching seasons, my confidence in myself and my abilities grew and helped me see that I genuinely was a natural leader. The amount of personal growth that I have seen in myself goes beyond my skills, but to something much more important and long-lasting – my mindset. The leadership opportunities that I took advantage of in my marching career made me a more empathetic, compassionate, and self-aware person.
So, if you think that this program might be a good fit for you and are willing to commit to it, I would definitely encourage you to join. If you are on the fence, get in touch with Mr. Blount or members of the student leadership team at an interest meeting! I promise you that we love to talk about marching band and would be more than willing to sit down to give you more information about what we do!
— Jennifer