Yes, I’m STILL in marching band in college

I’ve been involved in the marching band color guard (the ones with big flags) for five years now: three in high school, two in college. During the summer, I go back to my high school and help coach, mostly with the color guard, but I also work with the band proper on marching techniques and general physical training. It’s great because sometimes I get paid to do something I’ve loved for years anyway. I promise, band camp involves more than just creative places to put a piccolo.

Everything you’ve heard about embarrassing costumes is true, though

One of my favorite parts is watching the kids do all the stuff I don’t have to do anymore. The hundreds of push-ups and sit-ups, trying go into a split when everyone can see that you can’t, running laps in the Arizona desert – it’s all so satisfying when you can watch someone else do it. (Even though I still have band camp a week after they do.)

On the flip side, I love watching the show pull together. When the kids perform, it’s all them. I can’t help them, and I don’t want to. I’m proud of them, and I love watching them grow proud of themselves.

The first few steps

Band camp is always long, whether it’s one week or three. When you spend 10 sweaty hours a day for any number of days with the same people, you either love them or hate them. It’s impossible to feel indifferent towards someone when you know what their sweaty t-shirts smell like.

The concept is still there when you coach, but it’s a different dynamic between classmates than it is between students and teachers. I can’t just borrow deodorant or share food, and I can’t quite get away with goofing off anymore.  Now I have to hope I paid enough attention to be able to pass it all on. When it works, it’s fabulous.

Some moments are more fabulous than others

Twice when I was in high school, I heard a teacher accidentally swear loudly enough for some of the class to hear. One time it was just “Crap!” so maybe that doesn’t count. Actually, looking back on high school, I can’t believe they didn’t swear more.

Now I get to work with people who for years had to maintain the “teacher” face, so hearing them say anything a teacher wouldn’t is a new and thrilling shock. The only problem is, now my “students” feel the same way about me. My self-control skyrocketed (in my opinion) after I started teaching.

We all felt like this at band camp. All the time.

Last summer I helped put together a show about butterflies, and if that isn’t the perfect metaphor for band camp, then I don’t know what is. I got to help them start it off, and when they came to the competition at Arizona State (where I am now) I got to see how far they’d come.

They went far!

Sequins and bruises are staple accessories. My makeup skills are solid after countless hours helping girls with their performance faces. And I always learn so much every time I’m there. I’m willing to consider the possibility that it’s not the perfect summer job, but it’s perfect for me.

Bravo!