The memory that I have grown up with and that has shaped me the most is my experience with the Oregon Marching Band. It is not really from my childhood, it's really from 8th grade, but still, it is an essential part of who I am now.
My journey with this band started in eighth grade when I first attended an audition camp for this prestigious group I had heard so much about. I was very intimidated, because all other members of the group were much older than I was, and I of course thought that I was the coolest kid ever. This latter statement would soon humble me to the fullest.
Long story short, I made it into the group playing snare drum. This made me feel great, because I heard that very few eighth graders made it onto snare. I knew, however, that I had a lot of improvement to work on and that I wasn't going to cut it if I didn't get my hands together. Throughout the winter and spring, we as a band spent months trying to put our show on the field. I had never been pushed so hard in my life. The twelve hour rehearsals, sore muscles, and constant discipline would soon be worth it in the end, as I soon figured out.
The group has taught me to be more respectful, think more critically, and be helpful to those who have trouble with something. I do not think I would hold up very well in the real world if this intense program did not push me so hard to be the best I can be.
I'm now entering my fifth season with the band this winter, and have been honored to accept drumline leadership positions. I'm now the tenor drum section leader, this being my second year, and I'm also the entire battery section leader, this being my first year. I hope that I can work these positions out so that we have a successful season, and I have a solid reinforcement graduating and entering the real world.
Johnny.
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