How Marching Band Shaped Me by Zachary

How Marching Band Shaped Me by Zachary - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

Calling marching band a hobby is an understatement, it’s an outlet for the passion me and

my band mates all share. Marching band was my favorite extracurricular activity I have ever

joined and participated in. In marching band one is no longer an individual, but a part of of a

bigger picture; literally. To be a small part of something bigger in the context of marching band

has prepared me to do the same when I move on from high school.

Band in any context, whether marching or concert, require one to show concentration and

the willingness to practice. In marching band I was able to contribute my work ethic, patience,

and playing ability directly for the good of the entire band. When you are in an environment such

as marching band, one learns much about their own self. I personally learned about my social

strengths and weaknesses, as well as how much work my own body could handle. Marching

requires immense focus, that I learned to hone through marching band.

If I learned anything from marching band, it would be that you can’t always rely on your

own strength to accomplish your goals. When a group comes together to reach a goal, you not

only reach your goal but you’re able to reach higher than you would ever be able to by yourself.

Also, when you share in accomplishing this goal you share in celebrating obtaining it. While

accomplishing something on your own is worth celebrating, accomplishing something with

others is a far more rewarding experience.

Marching band has influenced my actions in taking part of my community, and will

continue to be a major reason in doing so. My plans for the future involve becoming a youth

pastor. This requires people skills as well as the ability to work well with kids and adults alike.

While school can teach me a plethora of skills and facts, marching band will always stand out as

what taught me the most about being a good role model, a good friend, and a good team player.

While some see marching band and think of it only as fun and a good sport, which is true,

I see it as a continual lesson on myself. The best way to learn who you are is to push yourself

past your limit, your most raw and clear picture of what you really are. Marching band has given

me the opportunity to not only do this, but to see others go through the same refining fire that is

marching band. For this and all of the opportunities to grow and change, I will always be

thankful to marching band. Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion and my

experience of marching band with you.