Should I join HS marching band?

Question

I'm an HS sophomore; I play trombone.

I never considered playing in marching band. Last year, I didn't play in marching band despite the begging of my band teacher. Every time I heard them at a parade, I would not like the loud noise and the pounding of the drums, and I find football games boring. When given the opportunity to join, I declined repeatedly. Marching band was not for me. Besides I already play in the band and write for my school newspaper.

This year, I wasn't planning on joining. But a few days ago after hearing the marching band drum roll courtesy of an enthusiastic marching band clarinet member, I have reconsidered, and asked myself ‘should I join marching band’? I don't know whether
this part of me really wants to join marching band, or if my mind has been convinced by my band director's incessant speeches throughout the year. Should I join?

Answer 1

As a drummer who was in marching band, I did not enjoy band a whole lot. Drumline was cool... it was just a hell of a lot of work. Practicing five days a week doesn't leave a whole lot of time for schoolwork or getting a job to make money.

From what I've seen, trombone players are typically immature and annoying. My high school's brass section was exceptional, as the band director seemd to love them (they hung out in his office) and hate the drumline (must have been harassed by one as a child).

As a drummer, I had the best chops of my life in marching band, but it wasn't worthwhile. If you reallyu want to play that much, do it on your own, don't bother marching, maybe join a ska or jazz band or something. Oh, I almost forgot: There are a lot of really desperate girls in marching bands, so if that's your thing, it might be worth the investment to get laid. Then again, a lot of those girls are in the concert band, too...

Answer 2

I've played clarinet in my high school marching band for three years now, and I absolutely love it. I honestly think if you're reconsidering it, there's a little part of you that wants to do it. If your worried about parades, they're no big deal, unless its like my town where the parade route is about 6 miles long, no joke. And the football games are a lot better when your in the band.

But there's one thing I want to mention. Marching band isn't for everyone. I'd say you should go to a few practices just to watch. That's what I did my freshman year, because I was doubtful. I realized how fun it could be, and I told them to sign me up, and I've been there ever since.

Answer 3

The simple answer is do it if you want to. I wanted nothing more in high school than to play musical instruments. I could play all instruments percussion, brass, and woodwind. I was constantly switched up during the year according which section needed help. There is a sense of camaraderie with band members. However, there is another benefit.

In order to be a good marching band, members need to be able to line up according to the positioning of the band mates next to them all the while memorizing music. You learn hand eye coordination. You gain ear training because that is the only way you will be able to get back in the song at your part. You also learn to focus on your task while not losing sight of your surroundings. Good skill to have when traveling in new areas. Think about it!

Answer 4

YES! Be in it!!!!!


Our marching band has about 60 people playing instruments and about 10 in color guard (for all of these...we have ONE drum major....). Last week was our band camp and we learned the first two drills for the show so we could play them on the last night for parents and such. We also have "squad comps" to see what squad is the best at what we do. This year the trumpet/mellophones won again!!! We kick booty at conga! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Last year our field show was Ray Charles and I had a solo even though I was a freshman! This year's field show is Moulin Rouge and I have another solo. It's so fun to get everyone in the stands more excited to see the band than the football team! (lol not really. Our football team is pretty good. they went to playoffs 2 years in a row) During the game we play pep band songs, so we only get 3rd quarter off to do whatever and we play again during 4th quarter.


Last year we went to Disney World to march in the night parade and EVERYONE was cheering for us. Not just people who came down from where we were from...I mean EVERYONE! It was awesome. So it can have it's benefits.
sry for the novel.

Answer 5

yes I am in the marching band but the eigth grade plays with the high school. The drums play an imporant roll as in keeping the beat and being and opening. Also, you have to know comands an how to kepp your upper body still. But is hard work and you have to purchase a liar and sheet holder. Also the music is small. Blow loud because in a band room, the sound can not travel as far, but outside, one wisp of the wind could make ya'll sound really bad

Answer 6

No cause I'm in high school an I was in band last year when I was a freshmen an it SUCKED!! All the kids made fun of me an they bullied me an they beat me up on a band trip to the Blue Berry Festible parade!! WHen I was in middle skool I liked band OK but Mr. Lake the band instructer hated me cause one time I thought it would be funny to fart in my tuba an see if I could make it play an I was suspendered for a day.

Answer 7

I would have to side with everyone else, it makes you a great person, an incredible musician and gives you a great sense of self-accomplishment. And you'll be amazed with some of the friends you'll make in band, going to contests and coming home with another trophy, standing on the field and hearing your group being announced as first place. First or last place, giving your all in band is the best feeling in the world.

Answer 8

I just graduated from high school and some of my best memories are from marching band. It's not all great, but it is a lot of fun and it's worth all the practice and annoyances once you get to perform. If you play, you should join! It's a lot of fun.

Answer 9

I'm a HS sophomore too. I must say MB is HARD. today at band camp we ran for a very long time, and did routines (I'm a cougarette *colorguard as some call it i guess*) and marched until my sweat was sweating. Band is TONS of fun, but even more WORK. don't join band if you don't want to work, and don't quit because band camp was too hard. it is very rewarding, even though it's hot and hard. I love it, and am on my way to being a section leader!!! :D woot!

Answer 10

Only join if you want to have fun, bond with those crazy band geeks, and get buff. Otherwise, marching band is entirely useless.
Of course if you find football games boring, perhaps your band needs your pep to pep up the crowd!