As I walked off the field for the final time, Tears trickled down my face as I was overwhelmed with triumph knowing that I had truly made a difference for my group. Throughout my 4 years of high school, my senior year was when my skills as a leader truly shone. When I was announced as the Low Brass Section leader for my senior year,  of all low brass instruments, such as tubas, trombones, and baritones. 

I was hesitant at first, but over time I’ve grown into the position. My former section leader and horn captain inspired me to become a leader in our program, and I wanted to have a positive impact just like them by creating an environment with a good balance between competitiveness and fun. I had a bad experience my freshman year with leaders in the program, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t become the same.

I started with a basic "getting to know you" phase and got friendly with the new members in which we are now close. As we got into band camp, I began to lay out plans for the school year  in order to prepare them for what was yet to come.

I never considered myself to be creative, however, that changed in my junior year of high school. I've been in marching band for four years, although I only marched in three field performances during my sophomore year due to COVID-19. I struggled with the typical creative process and execution. I frequently felt as if I wasn’t expressing myself correctly. I quickly realized that performing and making music with passion go hand in hand, but I still believe that one's faith in the medium is crucial to the activity's success.  

To be successful this season, I knew as a leader I would have to help my section advance to the next level. I hosted sectionals on days where we didn’t have rehearsal during the school year for individual work, while also working on difficult spots in the show specified to my section. 

I did believe that it made me more competitive, but I think that's okay since that's part of the game. After the season, I realized that I shared a lot of this with my section, and according to the head visual crew, this creative side had helped push the band throughout the season. I am convinced that I was able to use this as an outlet to express myself in ways I never imagined possible and to help everyone strive to be the best they can be.

I was very proud of my section and all the hard work we put in the moment I walked off that field at championships. I did not care what place we got, but I cared about everyone maxing it out on their final run on our 2022 production and leaving everything on the field. My goal was to make sure the band as a whole gave it their all to the bitter end, leaving the field with no regrets while creating a great culture during our long journey, and I had succeeded in spades.