When I first started playing in a band I was in just fifth grade. My parents made me try Star Band (a program for fifth and sixth graders run by Mr. Dubinski), the same as my brother. I first went into it with low expectations considering I was coming from a sports-focused background, and my brother did not enjoy the band. Little did I know I would be heavily involved in music for the next eight years and counting. I have learned many attributes about myself, others, and the activities themselves. Now as a senior, I have had a very unique experience in the south band program. I became the first assistant drum major as a Junior, opening the door for more leadership opportunities as well as improving my leadership skills. I achieved first chair trombone in both advanced concert and advanced jazz band. I learned a new instrument under the guidance of Mr. Nicholas. I am trending towards a five on the Advanced Placement Music Theory and Composition exam. Most importantly, I held the top leadership position in the 2023 marching band season where we had our best placement ever in the ISSMA State Finals. Oddly enough, I have seen the most growth in this senior year. Honestly, I felt that my growth was static in my first three years. I grew, but slowly. In my senior year growth was dramatic. When being lead drum major I observed many qualities about myself and others. At first, I wanted to be imposing and intimidating, forcing my will upon others, but the rest of the band did not reciprocate those feelings. I also wanted perfection, to finish at the top and stay there, but very few shared that competitiveness. I had to adapt my leadership style to cater to the band, I was able to accomplish this by becoming more approachable and empathetic, however, it was not a full swing. When the season finished and we placed seventh at state I was bummed even though it was our best placement yet, I wanted more out of the band and was disappointed in the performance for a few months. Once this disappointment stage ended I realized that, like all things, my time and interest in the Bloomington South band programs was coming to an end and I was ready to move forward into the next stage of my musical career. For a few months now I have been ready to move on and take all the invaluable lessons I learned from my mentors, teachers, and peers into the next stage of my life, and apply them to anything applicable. I learned to be patient regarding my growth and the growth of others, compassionate and competitive at the same time, and progress is not always linear. But most importantly I will never forget the great memories I have shared with others during my short, but not so short, four years in the Bloomington South band programs.