Looking back in time I can't really think of any events that have had specific musics. The funerals I've been to have mostly been funerals of veterans, and the only thing that was played at them was Taps. And the few weddings I've been to haven't really had any music in common. The only tradition I've had that was related to music was marching band.
I did marching band for a REALLLLLLLLY long time, 6 years was definitely way too much. But if I'm being honest, if given the chance to go back and do it all again, I probably would. The Spartanburg High School Viking Band was where I grew up, I started the summer right before my 7th grade year, and proceeded to meet some of my best friends of all time (some who I still hang out with to this day, 8 years later).
Every year was the same, and at the same time each year couldn't have been more different from the last. Whether or not you were in the band or not, you were probably at the football games hearing them and maybe even watching them if you're crazy enough. I have countless memories of bus rides both long and short, blazing hot days during camp and frigid nights waiting for competition results, and goofing off during rehearsal with my friends. Each year we got a new show, but the timeline we followed was always the same, band camp, football season, and competition season. I remember seeing the seniors have their breakdowns (valid) when they were at their last competitions, and then I remember having my last competition and having a much better understanding of their reactions. While it wasn't my favorite at the time, I am extremely thankful for all 6 of those hellish years, and it's kinda bittersweet that it's all done.I've included the last 2 shows that I was a part of, while neither of them are exactly my favorite, I think they are a fair representation of the band. The shows are from my Junior and Senior year specifically, so if you care to listen, I can only hope you'll enjoy.
Marching band was definitely a journey, would I also do it all over again, yes most definitely. Looking back at my years I too remember the hot days, cold nights, watching the seniors getting emotional (I used to laugh), then doing it myself when it was my turn. Watching and hearing your shows brought back many memories from my own!
ReplyDeleteAs an orchestra player, it's really interesting to hear band people talk about marching band. "Cult" is a good word to describe it. I feel like it defined the high school experience of everyone who partook in it. A few of my friends in high school were in marching band, and they made it sound like the most miserable thing ever and the most fun thing ever at the same time. My senior year, I volunteered at a marching band competition hosted by my high school, and I was really impressed by the dedication of every band that participated.
ReplyDeleteHi! I always thought it would be fun to be in a marching band even though I don't play an instrument for it. I used to live near a high school and would hear the band practicing. I couldn't escape the clicking of the metronome. Even though I lived right next the school I never did see them perform. I might have to change that!
ReplyDeleteHi Chase! Marching band is definitely a tradition. I like how you explained your tradition of marching band rather than the tradition of songs played. I can’t imagine being in marching band for 6 years. Like why did you do it for that long?? Would you do it now in college if we had a collegiate marching band?
ReplyDeleteHey! I was never a band kid, but my brother is and I can attest that it is indeed a cult. Anyway great music selection, I also have hella respect for marching band kids.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have thought about Marching band as a tradition, that was a good idea. Also, doing high school marching band for 6 years goes absolutely crazy. I think saying that every year was the same but also couldn't have been more different is such a good way to describe high school as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI never thought that marching band could be a tradition, but if you are in it for 6 years of your life it definitely counts. Marching band was such a fun experience for me and from reading it seems like you have some fond memories from marching band. I only did 4 years of marching band and I couldn't imagine doing any more. You are absolutely crazy for doing 6 years.
ReplyDelete