What should I do about my problem with marching band?

Question

I've been in the marching band for three years. This will be my fourth and final year... except it's different this year. For the past three years I've been a member of the dance/ color gurad team. This past year I moved to a new school in a really small town. I got on the squad as an alternate, but someone quit and I took her place. I tried out for my seinor year, but I didn't make it. I really want to be a part of the band, but my heart's just not in it. I'm not used to the marching style.... I'm having issues playing the drums and marching..... and nothing seems to be going right. I keep getting more and more dissapointed as band camp draws near with changes in the uniforms and how things are going to work. Should I just quit... or keep with it? I know it's my final decision, but what do you think I should do?

Answer 1

stick with it! you know how great marching band is! i think  you're just having a hard time adjusting to your changes in marching styles and stuff, but i think you'll have a harder time standing in the sidelines and knowing that you could've been a part of that group. just stick with it. you'll get it eventually.

Answer 2

Keep with it. I don't have to tell you the fun that comes with marching band, you wouldn't have done 3 years if you didn't already know. Right now it is hard, you are starting a new thing in a new way. With time, you will grow more confident and your muscle memory will kick in and make everything easier. Once you get a feel for the way that you contribute to the band it will make more sense. Instead of giving into quitting, I say hit it hard! Make your goal to be 100% more comfortable than you are by band camp and then another 100% by the end of band camp. Spend a few hours with it every day now, while you have the time, and you will not only save yourself a lot of frustration in the future, but you will get to be with the band, and that is something you are obviously wanting to do.

Just a quick plug, don't give up on it in college either, if you don't have to. It is a great way to meet people, keep with what you are learning now, and get into football games for free. Plus it would make all of the time you invest now all the more important.

Good Luck and I hope you stick with it.