The Band

When I was in fifth grade I decided to join the band. At the time it was the cool thing to do. All the kids got to go to the gym and try each instrument. I picked the clarinet and was pumped. Fifth, sixth, seventh, eight grade it was normal and it was cool. Come ninth grade everyone quit. Girls decided to join the choir or they had the option of a study hall. Again, I desperately wanted to follow the crowd and quit but there was a problem. My parents encouraged me to stay in the band and I knew they'd be disappointed if I quit. I told my parents I'd try it for one more year and then I'd reevaluate if I wanted to quit or not. Well turns out I never quit the band. I marched, played, and stayed in band for my entire high school career and I can confidently say it was my best decision.

Turns out band was legit awesome. I never thought I'd love it so much. I believe it truly shaped me into who I am today. I had preconceived ideas about the people in band. Coming in I thought I was going to meet a bunch of nerds and weirdos but turns out my classmates were the best. I met my two best friends in band. The kids I met in band were smart, funny, witty, talented, dedicated, and hardworking. I guarantee they will all rule the world one day. I look up to the kids in my class because of their values and personality traits. I couldn't have asked for a better group to hang out with throughout high school. Band led me to make better decisions outside of class as well. The kids I hung out with were always a solid group of individuals and we had tons of fun on the weekends without getting into any trouble. We made smart decisions. They were also great students and they encouraged me to always do well in school.

Band also helped me discover my love for music. The clarinet was a huge part of my life in high school and my passion for music carries on into college. Playing an instrument allowed me to learn how to read music, express my self through an art, and learn about various genres. Even though I do not play the clarinet anymore it caused me to learn more instruments. Because I learned how to read music I picked up the piano and guitar really fast and now I love to play those instruments. I also participated in solofest. This meant I practiced a solo for months and then preformed in front of a judge. I practiced my heart out for months before each of my solos and I won second out of thirty to forty people for three years in a row. Through solofest I stepped out of my comfort zone, learned dedication, and gained confidence.

Band made me a better person overall. I met literally the coolest kids, I learned an awesome instrument, and formed my core values and morals that I stick to today. I am more confident, loyal, dedicated, hardworking, and willing to step out of my comfort zone to try new things. I literally LOVE band and still so happy and thankful that I stayed with it throughout high school.