Happy March Fourth!
For those unaware, March Fourth is a day for marching band members—past and present—to reflect on and appreciate their time in marching band.
March Fourth also coincides with Music in Our Schools Month, a time dedicated to recognizing music educators and the work they do to keep music alive in our schools.
I participated in marching band throughout middle school, high school and college. I have officially lost count of the number of shows I was in, but I believe it was nine.
My experience was both positive and educational. I learned from my peers, expressed myself creatively and musically, endured challenging moments, and gained leadership opportunities with the support of staff.
I was selected as back field conductor my junior year and was surprised when I was asked to take on the role. I remember being told to stand in the back and follow the field commander’s hand movements. I wasn’t asked if I wanted the position beforehand—I simply did as I was told. That season turned out to be my favorite.
That year, we scored high enough to advance to the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) state finals for the first time in Laurel County history and received fourth place in our class.
During my senior year, our show was called “Unleashed,” and I auditioned for field commander. I’ll admit, my audition wasn’t the best, but I’m grateful my directors believed in me. I got the position and worked hard that year, surprising myself in many ways.
That year, we advanced to the KMEA state finals for the second time in Laurel County history and won our first-ever state championship in our class. When I reflect on my favorite moments in life, these stand out.
Many music educators shaped me into who I am, but I especially want to acknowledge my high school directors, Michael Wooley and Mark Sizemore. Being a teenager has its ups and downs, but they pushed and supported me. When I messed up or didn’t put in enough effort, they knew I could do better.
If it weren’t for Steven and Shawn Sudduth, the band directors at the University of the Cumberlands, I wouldn’t have been able to attend college at all. I auditioned for a music scholarship, and it helped pay for my education. I will forever be grateful to them. I also want to thank David Threlkeld and my flute instructor, Lauren Wiedemer, for believing in me and helping me become a better musician.
Music educators are vital to our community, especially here in Southeastern Kentucky, where the arts are not as well funded or as encouraged as in other areas.
Readers, put your child in band and thank me later. They’ll have an unforgettable, positive experience because it’s band. Band is simply a wonderful thing to be part of.
Happy Music in Our Schools Month and March Fourth!
