“I’ve been in band since 5th grade, so I naturally was drawn to it at SM because it’s my absolute passion. I was drawn to band in the fifth grade because I thought it looked interesting, and I liked the different colors of sound that could be produced. Marching band in particular seemed like a fun way to both grow as a musician and get some exercise. 

 I joined color guard because I wanted to make new friends and because I thought it would be fun. The color guardians made everything look so effortless, and I really wanted to emulate that grace and style. I love that the band community is so open and kind. Everyone is welcome in the band room, and it really impacted me. For once, I wasn’t an outcast, and I felt like I could really grow as a person and find my calling as a musician.”