STUDENTS' LETTERS
From other students (Click on a name to see their letter)
Amanda Kingery
Three years ago, I was in eighth grade and my parents and band teachers
began talking to me about joining the marching band. From the
beginning I didn’t know if I wanted to participate in band at all, much less
marching band. I am an oboe player, and since marching bands don’t
march oboe, I would have to learn a new instrument, and it just didn’t sound
appealing to me. My parents really wanted me to give it a try,
however, so I learned to play flute and joined band.
At
first I wasn’t enjoying myself. Being a Magnet student, I didn’t know
anyone, and I was sick at band camp, which made it very unpleasant. After
only a week or two, I began getting closer to the people in my section and
to the rest of the band in general. I met some of the best friends I ever
had or ever will have through being part of this program.
Making friends isn’t even the half of it. Nothing compares to being out on
that field and giving it your all, whether in performance or at the end of a
great rehearsal. It is a lot of hard work, but I can’t think of anything I
would want to work harder for than the feelings that rush through you during
a run-through of the show.
Being part of the marching band is like being in a family, and in some ways
better. You always have someone to hang out with, and if you’re at any
other type of school function, all you have to do is find the huge group of
band kids and you’ll be sure to be welcomed. Though there are the
occasional arguments, as in any family, the good times far overpower any
misunderstandings. When you’re in marching band, you always know there is
somewhere you can go and be surrounded by friends.
The
best part of our program is that even when we are successful, all that
matters is how we feel about ourselves rather than placements. As for our
success, we wouldn’t be anywhere without our directors. They are the most
wonderful band directors anyone could ask for and they always put the
students first.
As
I go into my senior year this marching season, I realize how happy I am to
have already had three amazing years in this program, and I eagerly await
the fourth.
Amanda Kingery
|
