Piccolo point of view

The+Cougar+Marching+Band+practices+in+Martin+Stadium%2C+Nov.+21%2C+2013.

The Cougar Marching Band practices in Martin Stadium, Nov. 21, 2013.

The only time I was ever attacked by ladybugs was during my very first band camp as a WSU freshman.

Yes, I said ladybugs. Apparently they bite or pinch, it’s a little hard to tell. While it’s really more of a nuisance, it still distracted me a bit while learning marching techniques.

I played the flute for four years in both marching and concert bands in high school. When entering WSU, I decided I wanted to take up the wind instrument again, not realizing what a huge commitment it would be. But it has been worth it, every step of the way. Time commitments like this are a learning tool in time management, and should never be a barrier to doing something you love.

Right away, I had to switch from the flute to the piccolo, which can be heard better out on the field during halftime shows. Even playing flute for so long, it took almost a month to get the hang of the tighter embrasure, the way you hold your mouth when playing a piccolo or flute.

Then came band camp, a week-long rehearsal spent on Grimes Way Field learning marching techniques, horn angles and the importance of sunscreen and hydration. That’s where the ladybugs came in, constantly crawling on everyone and biting them. It’s hard to tell what’s worse: the ladybugs or the bees.

The actual marching itself wasn’t too different, but I had to get used to halftime show marching instead of in a parade. It takes some precision to know exactly which spot to stop on so that the formation looks right to the audience.

Marching band ended up being very much like a school sport, specifically when the band travels to the home game in Seattle. This past Seattle home game, everyone received a letter to give to their professors, excusing them from class.

Even with it being the beginning of the year, I was required to stay on top of things and do any work I missed. Making up work, long practice hours on multiple days and constant game-day appearances are what make this just as rigorous as being part of any school sport.

There was one downside that made me especially frustrated: Because the band plays at the Apple Cup, my Thanksgiving break was cut a little short, just like for the football players. Last year I had both sides of my family at my house, and I wasn’t willing to give up my time with them even for this.

It still worked out though. I spent the entire Thanksgiving week with my family, and it ended up becoming a Thanksgiving lunch rather than dinner. This year I may not even get to go home for Thanksgiving, but I still have my family supporting me in what I do.

Since the band is sort of tucked in a corner until halftime, people may not realize we’re even there. The band’s uncontested contribution to the mood and atmosphere of a game makes the band a vital part of the college football experience.

Anyone wanting to join the marching band should keep in mind that it does require a large commitment. It’s the enjoyment I get from being in this band that encouraged me to do it again this year and in future years. The time commitment is substantial – but it’s absolutely worth it to do something I love this much.