Memories & Moments:
How many years have you participated in band? What was your role? I’ve been in band 7 years, ever since my 6th grade year. I am section leader for the flutes as well as Senior Drum Major.
What is a favorite memory from band? My favorite memory that I will never forget from band is the second we stepped foot on the field in the Alamodome at UIL State Marching Contest. The second I looked up and saw the crowd, the cameras, and the band performing before us, I started crying and shaking just because I was so proud of everyone. All of our hard work that year payed off, and even though I won’t get the chance to do it again, I will never forget the energy that surged through each of the members of the band right before that performance.
How did band enrich your life? What is your takeaway from it? Band taught me to step out of my comfort zone. I went from being the shy, introverted flute player to stepping foot on the podium and leading the entire band. I learned so many life skills and lessons from the Bennett’s (especially history facts) and most of my leadership skills came from the position of being Drum Major.
What will you miss most? One of the things I know I will miss most is Friday night football games. Although I will still attend future games, it will never be the same as marching at half time, scarfing down food during third quarter, conducting stand tunes, and making memories from the past four years of my life. Half time shows and the anticipation of the first down beat of the show are just a few of the things I wish I could go back and do one last time.
What honors did you receive? I tried out for District Band as well as Solo and Ensemble all four years of high school. I advanced to Area and Region every year except my freshman year, and was State alternate my junior year. For Solo and Ensemble, my Junior year I advanced all the way to state with my solo and the ensemble I was a part of. This year my ensemble also made it to State. I also am a member of Jazz Band and have marched at State.
Can you share a fun story? A fun story was the 30+ hour charter bus ride to Washington D.C.. Being on such a cramped bus with your best friends for that many hours on end and then spending the next week or so together brought so many inside jokes, shared experiences of trying to sleep on the bus, and some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen when compared to a small Texas town. It was the most fun I had had in such a long time, I wish I could go back again.
What can you say to younger students who might be considering participating in band? Any advice? I would say to cherish the people around you and the memories you make more. The four years you spend in the high school band really do fly by. It feels like just yesterday I was looking up to all of the seniors in leadership positions and now I’m looking back on my year of being Senior Drum Major. I wish I could relive a lot of my memories from band. They’re some of the best times I had during my high school career, especially since it was my only extracurricular activity. My advice to the younger kids who may join the band: do it. You really won’t regret it, you make stronger friendships and unique memories than students who aren’t in band have. They won’t know the nervousness of your first marching performance or the feeling of getting home late from a Friday night football game and then having to be back at the band hall early the next morning for a contest. Band brings so many people together and has taught me a lot about life and how to handle certain situations.
What are your future plans? I plan on attending MSU and getting my BSN so that I can become a Registered Nurse.