Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Join The Hebron Band
1) Being in Band Makes Transitioning Into High School a Whole Lot Easier
Going from high school to middle school is a big shift in all students' lives. As the academics become more advanced, so does the act of making friends. I realize that it sounds cheesy, but you'll understand it once you finally get here. What will typically happen during this transition is you'll go from knowing every kid in your class to knowing only a hand full. Because Hebron is so big, you most likely won't get classes with your friends. This means that you'll have to talk to students you don't know, but being in band over the summer will give you a head start when it comes to meeting new kids. I personally found that being in band gave me the opportunity to connect with a lot of students that I would have never met otherwise. Meeting new friends through band made me feel more comfortable going to school on the first day. In fact, if I hadn't become friends with those band kids over the summer, I would have only known 3 kids in my first class instead of the 13 that I did.
Furthermore, being in band really helps when it comes to academics; there will be plenty of upperclassmen in your section that will have taken the classes you will take your freshmen year. This means that they may be able to give you some tips and tricks when it comes to navigating a certain course or even a strict teacher. Additionally, because there are so many band kids, having them in your classes will provide you with an immediate study group; this will become very useful if you ever have any questions on certain topics or specific assignments.
2) You Gain a Second Family
Speaking of making friends, something that you'll realize after being in this program is that you really do find your family. By going through the process of rehearsing and then performing with the same group of kids for an entire marching season, you develop a very special bond with the members of the band. In other words, because they are putting in just as much work as you are, you find that everyone develops a sense of mutual respect for each other since everyone is on the same journey. Additionally, you spend a lot of time with these kids, whether that be during sectionals, at band parties, at football games, or even on the bus. With all this time you spend together, you share all kinds of memories and inside jokes that only you guys can really understand. Above all, getting to use the shared passion everyone feel for this art form to create a work of art every single time you perform is an incredible feeling that builds an insanely supportive community.
It is important to note that the Hebron Band is the most diverse organization in the school; being the biggest group in at Hebron allows the program to consist of kids from all kinds of backgrounds with all kinds of interests. Therefore, it is almost guaranteed that you will find a group within the band that you will consider your own family. Although it may be hard to imagine, all band members eventually find that very special group of friends!
I truly can't explain how grateful I am for the people that I've met through the Hebron Band; I can't imagine my life without them now. I know that it is hard to picture what you will miss out on by not being in this program, but know that being in band has allowed me to develop deep connections with people I wouldn't have ran into otherwise. It has truly changed my life and I am sure that it will also change yours!
3) The Experience
Through learning how to march and memorize music, I've learned so much about myself! With all of the responsibilities you gain by being in this program, you mature as an individual and learn useful leadership skills you would not have learned otherwise. You also learn the value of friendship, time management, and so much more! Above all, it is all still super fun! Marching a show for the very last time at the end of the season will give you an indescribable rush of energy and joy. It is so worth it in the end, and you don't want to miss out on this experience!
4) College Scholarships
I know, I know... You guys still have plenty of time before you should start worrying about college, but know that being in band and being able to play a musical instrument looks very good on all college applications, and can even give you the opportunity to receive scholarships (which is awesome, considering that you are getting a scholarship for doing something that you enjoy)!
5) It's Fun!
The last and most important reason to join the Hebron High School Marching Band is… because it’s fun!! Football games, section parties, water balloon fights, sleepovers, lock-ins, you name it! There are multiple social gatherings that the band program has to offer. Not only do these gatherings allow you to spend quality time with your band family off of the field, but they also allow you to meet more members of the band, and thus, create more friendships!
Even when there isn't an upcoming social event, seeing your hard work pay off at competitions, or during that final run at the end of the season is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the memories that you will make as a member of the band will stick with you for the rest of your life. It is such a blast, and I hope that you guys get to experience it soon!
Like I said before, these are only my top five reasons why you should join band. Interested in knowing more? Become a member yourself and see what this program is all about; I promise it will be worth it in the end! But above all, do what is best for you as an individual, and don't be afraid to take on a challenge!
#ALL IN, ALL THE TIME!