Marching Band :P

I'd heard about how difficult things were when it came to marching band. Many people had talked about almost quitting, and i'm not too big on running. On that very first day when a few other freshman and I were seated and the Drum Major called all the upperclassmen to attention, we were terrified and unsure of wehter we should stand up , remain seated, or anything. I learned that day that this was something serious, and i had to either be committed or just get out. I can honestly say i was a pretty crappy marcher my freshmen year. But then, who isn't? A good portion of us weren't that great. Physically it sucks the first few days and eventually you start getting used to the numbing burning sensation in your calf every time you take a step based on heel-middle-ball-toe-passing-passing. They throw everything at you but over the years you things start to stick, and it feels like they focus on something different every year. Musically i had to MEMORIZE more music than i'd ever learned and played throughout all my years in middle school. My freshman year i remember a huge emphasis on right foot on the yard line every time, and standing completely still when at attention. There was so much discipline and precision involved, all of which had nothing to do with the clarinet and everything i'd learned those three previous years in middle school. Those first few weeks i really doubted my ability to go through with it all.
In the end i've become a better marcher and someone who can help teach others who are having difficulties.
 Learning Outcome #8 is stated as: Developed new skills. I developed the ability to march in a military style based on discipline and precision. Learned how to march on a specific tempo while playing my instrument.
Learning Outcome #5 is stated as: Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities. I committed to the program and all it contained including the physical pain, that was all worth it at the football games.
Learning Outcome #2 is stated as “Undertake new challenges.” I never had the necessity to MEMORIZE my music because all we ever did was concerts and football games, which we used music and flip folders at.
This was a huge challenge to have to do, especially with all the music that had been handed to us, and the marching styles and techniques that were all new to me.