Back in my high school days, I ignored the school marching band. I knew it existed, but I didn’t give it much thought. Now I regret it because I realize how much work it takes. I am a band parent.
At the end of eighth grade, Laura received several emails to try out for the high school marching band color guard Undecided – we discussed it many times. I remember asking her if she has nothing to lose by attending the information meeting. Laura nervously went to the high school to the forum. To my surprise, Laura came home with a flag. I knew we were entering a new activity.
Before I understood the total commitment of joining the band, Laura committed herself. She started practicing in our backyard and randomly twirling random objects in the house. At first, practice occurred once a week, then twice a week. But, by August, the full extent of our changing lives came crashing down.
Band camp lasted about two weeks and about 9 hours per day. Then, I realized practices were twice a week, 3 hours, and every Saturday- it was either practice or practice/competition. On competition nights, it meant she left around 9 am and was home around midnight to 1 am; not having Laura around every Saturday wasn’t what I expected.
Laura never gave up or asked to give up. Unfortunately, I’m guilty of asking her to give up. Watching her struggle to keep her distinguished honors status with her first AP course tore me up. The tears, stress, and exhaustion had me questioning if I let her do the right thing. Laura was also in the fall play and activities in the AFJROTC.
But, in each competition, Laura lit up the sky with a smile. Her beauty, grace, and skill were undeniable. Laura was happy. All her hard work paid off in her competitions, grades, and social. Her confidence skyrocketed. Before I knew it, Laura signed up for winter guard, and by June, she had become a section leader for the fall.
I only sometimes love being a band parent. Watching your child struggle with the high demands of the schedule is brutal. Not to mention, you miss your child every weekend. Saturdays turn to practice or competitions. Sundays turn into Mass, cleaning the bedroom, and tons of homework. It’s a commitment.
Being in the marching band does prepare the students for life. Multitasking, commitment, friendships, and the satisfaction of doing a job well are qualities of the “real world.” Every performance that I watch, I know one day, very soon, she will be a senior, and it’ll be the last. So, I dig deep into the hard days, support, and love. Laura is flourishing before my eyes, and I have front-row tickets.
