10/20/2026
Well said, Paula. What you’re saying is a fundamental truth of our activity that people have been discovering in their own unique ways for time in memoriam. It’s the truth that led our own staff members to be here, and it’s the truth that makes our current situation so deeply critical.
We are a marching band, a concert band, a jazz band, chamber ensembles, but that’s just what people see on the surface.
Beyond all that, we are building young people into adults. We are giving them the chance to experience the joys of something real. We are presenting them with challenges and giving them the chance to feel the benefits of their hard work, and to see their own growth.
My son joined marching band in eighth grade and to be completely honest, we didn’t have the first clue what that involved. It is a huge time commitment for both the student and the parents (your Friday nights belong to a sport I’ve never even enjoyed) and then there are all of the various fees.
It didn’t take long for us as parents to realize that the time, the money, the wear and tear on our bodies from working the concession stand-none if it could compare to the benefits we saw in and for our child. A sense of responsibility developed in him that I had not seen before. He actually wanted to attend band practices rather than goof off with friends. He developed a sense of community and a commitment to the “we” instead of “me”.
His grades are better than they’ve ever been and he now can’t wait to get to high school. This was a kid who never liked school-and now he looks forward to it.
As a mom, I will always be grateful for what band has provided for my son. In just three months time I have seen so much growth in him and I now know firsthand that band is MUCH more than just music!! It’s teaching community, responsibility, dependability, respect, and that a group of dedicated people can do amazing things together!
Band Mom Paula C.