Why Band?

It’s course selection time. I find myself examining why it is so important to me as a parent for my kids to continue on in the band program. I hear other parents saying that their child may be quitting, or my sons tell me that a friend may not coming back next year. I never really gave it a second thought. Why would they NOT want to stay in band forever?

Upon reflection, I realized that my assumptions revolve around my own experiences. I can’t imagine what MY life would have looked like if I had not been in band. Most of MY high school memories are from the band hall and the marching field. The friends I made in high school band are still near and dear to my heart. The directors were mentors who I knew I could count on to be there for me, even when I felt like my “other” teachers were out of touch or out of reach. The band hall was a refuge and I spent every minute I was allowed hanging out there outside of regular school and rehearsal hours. I laughed, I cried, I learned, and I grew from a girl to a young woman in a home away from home, with an extended family I could lean on and laugh with.

Why would I NOT want these things for my own sons? Leave aside for a minute my hopes and dreams for their future with the skills they learn through the hard work and dedication acquired through the rigors required to excel in the band program. For the here and now, I know where my kids are. I know who they’re spending time with. I know the leaders who are helping to shape their hearts and minds. And I know they have a worthy community in which they can grow into confident young men of integrity.

To read more about why band is so awesome, check out this article:

http://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/advocacy/why-music-why-band