Prior to joining the band program, I had been playing guitar, and honestly,I was not super dedicated to music or learning guitar in general. Once I was introduced to marching band and the band program itself, it opened so many doors and opportunities for both me as a musician and as me as a person. Joining the program really introduced me to so many cool and amazing people, as well as so many opportunities. When I first tried out to join on guitar, I ended up not making it, but although I knew very little about reading music, I was welcomed with open arms to try something new. Being introduced to playing mallets in the front ensemble it really sparked something in me to keep learning and pursuing more music and instruments. While being thrown into something completely out of my comfort zone and something so new, It definitely widened my horizons and perspective on music. Although I struggled at first, the people I met and the people that surrounded me were so positive and friendly, it helped me thrive and really find who I am. Not only through marching band but also through concert band, jazz band, and combo’s,I have met so many amazing people and have made so many long lasting connections. After my first marching season, I was so invested and wanted to learn as much as I could, so I began taking drum lessons, mainly to get into jazz band and jazz combo. After my second marching season and my senior year, I got even more invested in the band program and the people involved, so I applied to be the Pit section leader. After many words carefully planted on a paper and a long wait, I was officially dubbed the Pit section leader, which I was overjoyed about. My senior year marching band show was about time and how finite time is, which really put into perspective my past years in this program and just how much fun and enjoyment it has brought me. Because of joining this program and learning so many new things, it has pushed me to pursue music further into college. I had begun writing and composing my own music from the skills I had learned from being in band, as well as skills learned from classes like music theory. I am really looking forward to college, mainly because I will be able to learn more and more about music, which I am so passionate about, which all stems from the decision to join this amazing band program.