Imagine you're standing in one-hundred degrees, or more burning sunlight prickling your skin just to play music in front of others. At first, band starts off simple with just learning an instrument, attending the classes, and by playing the music the directors pick. Well, that was back in middle school, in high school, however, it's a completely different experience. In my freshman year, I was a shadow, also known as an alternate. It is basically a marcher behind another marcher who already has their spot on the field, and tries to learn their place in case they drop out or become ineligible. I became a shadow because of not attending band camp in the previous summer. I was marching behind a student named Kevin Spaniel. He would always show up late for rehearsal s, and miss a few football games. Once I became his shadow I thought I might be able to march, but by me becoming his shadow, it only motivated him to keep his spot. Before I know it, school has ended, the marching season has ended, and my summer vacation has begun.
Soon August came knocking at my front door. The summer vacation went by so fast, that I still remember what the teachers had taught me. I recalled one day during class that Mr. Brodt, the assistant band director said, "If you have not shown up for band camp last year. It would be best to attend this summer's band camp if you want to stay in band." Once I remembered his words, I have been reconsidering if I should stay in band or not. Some days I would have trouble sleeping because of so many decisions. One night I log on to my Facebook account, and see my friend Lily was online. I started chatting with her about my problem from last year about being a shadow. Lily said she was going to quit because she felt like she was wasting her time. She had made her point there. With all the band rehearsals afterschool, football games, and festivals we had attended, we barely had time for our families and friends.
Two days later, my friend Jose texted me if I was going to band camp this summer. I had responded I didn't plan to attend, and also be in band when school starts. Once I had sent the text message, I remember him immediately replying I would be "missing out". I didn't respond after that, because I had completely forgotten I was texting him, and fell asleep. Jose texted again the next day about how attending the band camps was the most memorable experiences in his life. The night before the first day of camp, I could not sleep a wink. I kept thinking about what Jose had convinced me. I thought about what seemed like forever, and had finally decided that I was going to go and give it a try. I had realized that night that I didn't like band because I was an alternate, or didn't get the full marching experience, but that all hard work pays off. Soon this summer's band camp was over once school had started, and till now I do not regret the decision I had made. I learned to give everything a try before I make any final decisions. Right now, at this very moment, I am proud to be part of the Alief Hastings High School Big Bear Band, and loving every second of it.