Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Join The Hebron Band
1) Being in Band Makes Transitioning Into High School a Whole Lot Easier
Going from high school to middle school is a big shift in all students' lives. As the academics become more advanced, so does the act of making friends. I realize that it sounds cheesy, but you'll understand it once you finally get here. What will typically happen during this transition is you'll go from knowing every kid in your class to knowing only a hand full. Because Hebron is so big, you most likely won't get classes with your friends. This means that you'll have to talk to students you don't know, but being in band over the summer will give you a head start when it comes to meeting new kids. I personally found that being in band gave me the opportunity to connect with a lot of students that I would have never met otherwise. Meeting new friends through band made me feel more comfortable going to school on the first day. In fact, if I hadn't become friends with those band kids over the summer, I would have only known 3 kids in my first class instead of the 13 that I did.
Furthermore, being in band really helps when it comes to academics; there will be plenty of upperclassmen in your section that will have taken the classes you will take your freshmen year. This means that they may be able to give you some tips and tricks when it comes to navigating a certain course or even a strict teacher. Additionally, because there are so many band kids, having them in your classes will provide you with an immediate study group; this will become very useful if you ever have any questions on certain topics or specific assignments.
2) You Gain a Second Family
Speaking of making friends, something that you'll realize after being in this program is that you really do find your family. By going through the process of rehearsing and then performing with the same group of kids for an entire marching season, you develop a very special bond with the members of the band. In other words, because they are putting in just as much work as you are, you find that everyone develops a sense of mutual respect for each other since everyone is on the same journey. Additionally, you spend a lot of time with these kids, whether that be during sectionals, at band parties, at football games, or even on the bus. With all this time you spend together, you share all kinds of memories and inside jokes that only you guys can really understand. Above all, getting to use the shared passion everyone feel for this art form to create a work of art every single time you perform is an incredible feeling that builds an insanely supportive community.
It is important to note that the Hebron Band is the most diverse organization in the school; being the biggest group in at Hebron allows the program to consist of kids from all kinds of backgrounds with all kinds of interests. Therefore, it is almost guaranteed that you will find a group within the band that you will consider your own family. Although it may be hard to imagine, all band members eventually find that very special group of friends!
I truly can't explain how grateful I am for the people that I've met through the Hebron Band; I can't imagine my life without them now. I know that it is hard to picture what you will miss out on by not being in this program, but know that being in band has allowed me to develop deep connections with people I wouldn't have ran into otherwise. It has truly changed my life and I am sure that it will also change yours!
3) The Experience
Through learning how to march and memorize music, I've learned so much about myself! With all of the responsibilities you gain by being in this program, you mature as an individual and learn useful leadership skills you would not have learned otherwise. You also learn the value of friendship, time management, and so much more! Above all, it is all still super fun! Marching a show for the very last time at the end of the season will give you an indescribable rush of energy and joy. It is so worth it in the end, and you don't want to miss out on this experience!
4) College Scholarships
I know, I know... You guys still have plenty of time before you should start worrying about college, but know that being in band and being able to play a musical instrument looks very good on all college applications, and can even give you the opportunity to receive scholarships (which is awesome, considering that you are getting a scholarship for doing something that you enjoy)!
5) It's Fun!
The last and most important reason to join the Hebron High School Marching Band is… because it’s fun!! Football games, section parties, water balloon fights, sleepovers, lock-ins, you name it! There are multiple social gatherings that the band program has to offer. Not only do these gatherings allow you to spend quality time with your band family off of the field, but they also allow you to meet more members of the band, and thus, create more friendships!
Even when there isn't an upcoming social event, seeing your hard work pay off at competitions, or during that final run at the end of the season is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the memories that you will make as a member of the band will stick with you for the rest of your life. It is such a blast, and I hope that you guys get to experience it soon!
Like I said before, these are only my top five reasons why you should join band. Interested in knowing more? Become a member yourself and see what this program is all about; I promise it will be worth it in the end! But above all, do what is best for you as an individual, and don't be afraid to take on a challenge!
#ALL IN, ALL THE TIME!
Brooklynn's Journey with Band and Volleyball!
Greetings! My name is Brooklynn. I play French Horn and will be a senior this year. Here’s a little snippet about how I got into high school band :
In middle school I was active in band and volleyball. I played for my school and for a club team with practices twice a week, conditioning, and out-of-town tournaments. At the beginning of my eighth grade year, I thought I had made up my mind - I was going to drop band and continue to play volleyball in high school. The main factor that contributed to this decision was that I did not understand the concept of marching band. I didn’t understand what was so cool about it, I didn’t want to have to learn another instrument, and rumors of the endless time commitment scared me. I didn’t want to necessarily quit band, but in my head, it didn’t really feel like the right decision for me.
I wasn’t aware, however, of what eighth grade was going to bring to me.
"We had an intense concert season with many ups and downs. It brought me and my friends closer and I’ll never forget some of the special memories we made that year."
I was part of the Killian band that earned the privilege to participate in the TMEA concert. After that year, I really wasn’t sure if I was ready to give up on band quite yet.
In my volleyball world, I was slowly starting to realize that I wasn’t going to be tall enough to play the position I wanted. I was pushed towards an ultimatum to change positions or accept that I wasn’t going to have as many opportunities playing the position I loved (#outsideftw if you’re a volleyball peep).
I then began looking into the possibilities of doing band and volleyball in high school. Long story short, it is possible, but would be a lot of effort and requires a lot of time management. The directors and coaches work out where you need to be and when so that you can just show up and do your best. It’s hard because the busy season for band and volleyball overlaps in the fall, so you will constantly have something going on. As an academically motivated person, I was also quite concerned about making time for school work.
I ultimately decided that I would give band a shot. With band, even if you’re not first chair (or the best at your said instrument), you still get to play, which is something that I was worried about being at the bottom of the high school food chain.
Three years later, I do miss the athletic aspect of volleyball, but I have no regrets in continuing to pursue band. Turns out, I love marching season more than concert season and mellophone is a blast! Band also provided me an instant family within my section and the rest of my freshman class. Contrary to popular belief, with band I’ve still had to maintain high academics (not to brag but I’m top 2.7% of my class of almost 900). Although, like volleyball, you’re competing for spots on the field or different chair placements, it doesn’t feel like you’re being personally pitted against your peers (or at least it does less often than what I experienced during middle school and club volleyball). Unexpectedly, I’ve learned to also appreciate the co-ed-ness of band if that makes sense. I love having friends both male and female, which was something that wasn’t part of my personal volleyball experiences.
Also, we have annual horn v. sax and volleyball games which are a blast and allow me to play a sport I love with the people I love!
If you’re on the fence between these two extracurriculars and aren’t ready to give one up yet, try it freshman year. One of my best friends did. She did ultimately choose volleyball, but she was able to see which one was better suited for her.
"Entering freshman year and your high school career, everyone wants you to be able to do what you want to do and will help you through the process."
Busting Myths About High School Band!
"Band takes time away from academics"
Band actually helps everyone learn a stronger sense of time management and productivity, and has been the home of many students in the top 10 people in their class. We've also had numerous AP Scholars, National Merit Finalists, Valedictorians--you name it, we've got it! Being surrounded by these people can help you learn how to manage your academics while in band. Plus, if you ever need help in a certain class, chances are at LEAST one person in band can help you out!
“Wondering how a band will affect your academics is a pretty common worry, especially for incoming freshmen. However, I’d say that being in band has actually improved my grades. The rehearsal schedule of high school band, especially during marching season, is definitely a lot more intensive than middle school, but it’s never enough to prevent you from getting the academic work done. Plus, high school band teaches you extremely impactful lessons on time management, and I mean it when I say there truly isn’t a better study environment than coming right out of an exciting, adrenaline-pumping marching rehearsal. Without the mindset you gain from band, there’s nothing to keep you from spending precious study time on your phone, so you shouldn’t be worried about band intruding on your academics because in most cases your grades will improve just by playing your instrument.” - Tyler Kerch, top 10 student in Class of 2021
"You can’t participate in or schedule other extracurriculars with Band"
Balancing other activities while trying to band = DEFINITELY POSSIBLE! There are multiple people in band who do different extracurriculars along with marching band. From choir, to JROTC, to cheer, the teachers, coaches, and directors will work with you to work things out!
“Overall, doing band and cheer was absolutely doable, especially due to the flexibility that the staff at Hebron has.” - Jacquelyn Burrer
"Changing Instruments is really difficult"
DON’T WORRY! For incoming freshmen, the process is scary enough as it is. Marching band is completely foreign, but what you don't realize is how easy it is to learn. Concert band helps improve your musical abilities, which is technically half of the marching band battle. However, there are a few sections that have to switch instruments for the marching band process (such as the oboes, bassoons, horns, euphoniums, tubas, etc.). All the upperclassmen in your sections have gone through this process, and are here to help you!
“As a horn player myself, that was pretty much my biggest concern going into high school. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to hang at the level the upperclassmen were at. I speak on behalf of the brass groups switching instruments, that it’s easier than you might imagine!” - Rhett Reasonover, french horn and mellophone player
"Learning a new instrument isn't impossible and I think it helps you learn how to manage your time really well. Plus, there are always upperclassmen there to help you out when you get confused or need help!" - Linzy Manis, oboe and alto saxophone player
"Band leaves you no time for anything else"
Band has created a strong community of diverse individuals, and from this community, many of us have built new friendships and found new interests!
Jacquelyn Burrer, a junior flute player, has a blog about body image that she regularly works on, and is also very involved in other extracurriculars and political movements.
“Although being in band does take up a lot of time, it also pushes you towards trying new things and learning more about yourself. If you’re trying to decide between two activities or you’re worried your grades might slip because you’re too busy, I promise it’ll all work out. My advice is to just try it!” - Jacquelyn Burrer
To hear more from Jacquelyn, read her feature story on the blog!
"You have to be super athletic or fit to participate in band"
Band is home to many different people. Regardless of how athletic, unathletic, healthy, or unhealthy you believe yourself to be, this should never be a reason to not join band!
"I remember feeling nervous coming into summer band because even though I did athletics in middle school, I didn't think I was very strong or anything. Turns out, I was worrying for nothing! You learn a lot in band, and being here has helped me to push myself to become stronger and have endurance. Not only do we get to make some amazing music, but also stay active. Band helps you grow not only in your musical abilities, but in your physical abilities as well!" -Uzma Sheikh
Whatever your concerns are, don’t worry. Chances are, we have all been there at some point in our high school band experience! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, or submit questions on the contact page of this website. Stay safe!