Band Changed Me Atley Cappy Band has the power to change lives. I can confidently say this because I am an example. My band journey has guided my three “ships,” friendship, stewardship, and leadership, throughout high school. I started marching band in rough waters at the peak of the pandemic my freshman year. As I warmed up to this big group of strangers, my musical passion flourished and friendships blossomed. Piccolo is my passion, my soul-instrument. I bonded with my peers over music and shared experiences, both on and off the field. In a time when it was nearly impossible to make friends, I did the opposite. We didn’t have much in common, but band connected us, creating a bond that simply couldn’t be broken. These friendships are special because we spent an exorbitant amount of time together and still manage to love each other. I became part of fun traditions and inside jokes. My fondest memories are times spent with my band friends, eating Dairy Queen after practice, karaoke, and swimming at Bryan park pool. Band is my home away from home; band is family. With all fun, comes responsibility. After years of dedication to piccolo, I was selected as woodwind captain my senior year. This stewardship was special; I didn’t take my duties lightly. Being in charge of the biggest section presented challenges, but I was organized and driven. I gave motivational pep-talks. I was also flute captain. My section had four rookie eighth graders. They needed additional support so I hosted marching sectionals for them and enlisted the 4 sophomores to help. Before band practice, I helped them improve their marching while playing. The results were immediate. Other section leaders followed suit. This chain reaction made our band even better. I took great pride in the incredible improvements made throughout the season. I think I’ve left a small mark on the football field. Each member of my flute section blessed me with personal notes of love and gratitude for taking care of them. As I move on to the Marching Hundred, the new stewards promised to pay it forward next year with the new rookies. I’ve also left my mark through leadership on the basketball court this year. While attending Panther Hoops games, South's intramural basketball league, I noticed how somber the gym felt. It was nothing like the high energy varsity games I had been playing in for five years. I had a vision. I talked to Mr. Nicholas and administrators about creating a student-led Pep Band to support the Panther Hoops. The challenging process of recruiting, organizing, and conducting this group taught me so much about leadership. As the point person, I made calls, sent reminders, and gave rides. The hard work paid off tenfold, when the players and coaches thanked us. I’ll always remember that. Along with my cowbell, and planbook, the torch has been passed to next year’s leaders. Band was the guiding beacon, shining for my three “ships.” Band gave me confidence and my leadership skills grew. I was a role model for stewardship and others began taking responsibility for their own sections’ success. I’ve been honored with Panther Pride Awards, ISSMA Gold, and leadership positions. While the accolades are appreciated, perhaps the most important “ship” is friendships I’ve made in the BHSS band programs. I'll always have those shared memories, of silly bus rides, winning, losing, laughing, crying, sweating, freezing, marching, playing, and coming together to create something special and bigger than ourselves. Band’s been my guide, band has changed me for the better.