“It was personally vital to my life because it gave me a family that I didn’t know I needed. It gave me something to look forward to at the end of the day . It gave me purpose, it helped discipline me and gave me structure. I feel like it can do the same for the community as well.”

“The reason why marching band is vital to my life is because, it’s a great way to exercise but also create music and express talents. it’s an amazing community sometimes and it can be so fun! i love giving back to the community and showing little kids how to really give out and inspire others to get active with music!

Marching band is the greatest thing that has happened in my life. even though sometimes it can be very stressful”

“I joined marching band in college because that was all I wanted in high school, but we didn’t have a big enough music program to have a marching band.

My favorite memory was from my freshman year when I went to the MEAC tournament for the first time. I was one of three freshmen going on the trip AND one of three saxes to go. I was very thankful to have been selected to play and we did tons of recruiting out in Virginia. I remember riding around on scooters with my section trying to find the nearest Cookout in 40 degree weather. 

I major in illustration and I minor in music. I decided to minor in music to further improve my skills on the sax. Everything I learned has been applied to something I do in marching band. I also picked up playing different saxes in the process.   

I’ve met so many great people in many different collegiate bands. One of my mentors is Brent Birckhead, my current sax instructor. He’s taught me so much throughout my college career and has made me a better musician than what I thought I could be coming in. 

Being apart of M3 has opened up lots of great opportunities for me, especially being able to earn a scholarship from it. I have some friends in the band that I know I can’t live without. I have so much love for music, really.”

My absolute favorite memory is my senior year, the entire day of Poly City Game at M&T Bank Stadium. It was our last “big” performance of the year and for us in general as seniors. All the seniors gave everything and it was an emotional day knowing we cranked on City.

Marching band is vital to my life because it has challenged me physically and mentally, taught me lessons on how to lead and follow, and has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends, and even family.

“Marching band gave me a purpose, a reason to strive for something in life.”

“I played the trumpet and the Tuba I loved the friendships I gained there. And my love of music grew with every performance and Loyola basketball game. It even helped take me out of my shell a little bit as a Sophomore. It’s the heart soul of high school for me. The bread and butter, the meat and potatoes if you will lol It made high school fun.”

“I think the main factor that made me join was seeing the bonds people had built through the program…marching band is the reason I enjoy being active today. I can’t imagine my life without constant movement and challenging my body.

You’re surrounded by people with a common goal who love the same thing you do and no matter what you’ll always have that connection. Some things just give you a feeling that you have to experience to understand.”

“Marching band has taught me so many life skills like managing time and work loads while simultaneously working and getting a degree. I have met some great people throughout my experience who have inspired me to keep dancing. I have done different workshops and other community service events with my current dance team because it’s important that we give back to our community.”