Dear “Baby Band”
Hello! My name is Emily Smith, I was a member of the UDMB from 2012-2016, and then I was able to stay back and help the band for two more years as a graduate assistant! I’m currently a high school band director in New Jersey, where much like you, we are trying to navigate through how to do this whole marching band thing again.
I hope you know that you are currently a part of something great. You are a crucial part to an organization that has become the home to thousands of musicians throughout the years. The legacy of the UDMB is gigantic, and even though it feels hard to believe sometimes, you’re living through that right NOW. You and your classmates are writing the next chapter for the UDMB’s story, and YOU are what makes that band great. How wonderful that you get to re-enter the world of making music with THIS band!!
I wanted to write this little note to remind you to please be grateful for every moment you have in that crazy group. Laugh at yourself when you royally miss your dot. Make loud mistakes and enjoy learning from them. Feel gratitude for every moment you laugh with your section leader, and cherish every beautiful moment you get to do something you love to do like playing your instrument. We just never know now when these things that are normal to us could be taken away, so I need you to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. I participated in the UDMB for six years, yet it went by in a blink. You are actively in what you eventually call your “good old days”, so don’t wait until you graduate to appreciate those good times! Your inside jokes will eventually be your favorite memories, and one day you’ll be one of those alumni that cry at games like me!
Band is hard. It’s tiring. It’s also just a whole lot of socializing after a year of isolation! But all this insanity makes you a better person. Pushing yourself to grow and learn makes you a better you than you were yesterday. If I could give you any advice at all, it is to sincerely value every moment and make the most of your band experience because there are a lot of alums like me that would give anything to be in that band again! Stick it out, because you leave the band with more life lessons, memories and good times than you can even find space in your heart for.
I hope you keep your eyes filled with pride when you put on your uniform. And I hope you have so much fun. Be well.
SARV BLOG 