3 Reasons to Be in Marching Band

        I've been in the Kennedy Marching Band for three years, and I've had a very good time in it.  There are many reasons to be in marching band, but I'm going to list the top three.
        First, you make lots of good friends that you see everyday.  Over the week long band camp in August you click with people who are friendly and interesting.  We all bond through the difficult and grueling work of learning to march and learning drill and music.  Throughout the normal week in the fall you see them three hours at least once a week for night practice, and at least once a day for band class first hour.  Competitions also bring camaraderie with late nights, long bus rides, and early mornings.
        Second, you get to play good music that is challenging and fun to play.  In the last three years we've played music from the musical Alice in Wonderland, Doctor Who (the television show), and the musical Jekyl and Hyde.  Generally, shared aspects of the shows include a fast paced opener, a slow, elegant, and beautiful ballad, and a powerful closer.
        Third, marching band, allow not quite as physically strenuous as being in a Drum and Bugle Corps, still provides excellent physical and mental exercise.  Playing and marching is a unique form of exercise because of both the requirements of your mind to memorize music and keep the proper beat, as well as the physical demands of marching at 160 beats a minute which is similar to a fast jog.          So, if you happen to be in band, consider a marching band in the fall for the benefits of friends, playing good music, and physical and mental health.