The Girl In Marching Band

The First Day

It was late in July when my mom pulled up to the band room doors. I looked down at myself to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Tennis shoes? Check. Practice shirt? Check. Water? Check. I seemed to have everything I needed.

I stepped out of the car and gave a quick goodbye wave to my mother. Then I started towards the doors. The big metal doors looked scary and uninviting. I was nervous.

That's when the doors opened up and two smiling girls came out to meet me. "Hi there. My name's Katie and I play flute." one of the girls said. "I'm Marie. I play baritone." the other said as she hugs me. "What's your name?" Katie asks. "I'm Ryan." I reply. "Awesome! Well if you'll come inside we'll find your section leader." Marie said.

I followed them into the band room and looked around. There were kids everywhere. Young kids and old kids. They were all laughing and hanging out.

"What instrument do you play Ryan?" Katie asks me. "I play percussion." I reply with a smile. That's when she hands me my name tag and points me in the direction of a group of kids. They are all standing around a big cabinet talking and laughing. I walk up and say hi to the first one who notices me.

"Fresh meat!" yells the boy with a laugh. I look confused at him until the rest turn around and smile. "What's your name?" asks the boy who yelled. "I'm Ryan." I say. He looks at me confused, but continues. "Sorry, I thought you were a boy. But I can see you're not. Welcome to the percussion section. What grade are you in?" he says. "I'm a freshman." I reply. "Awesome! I'm John and I'm a senior. I'll be your section leader this year." he says.

They all give me a big smile and welcome me into the section. I smile back and start to join in on the conversation. I know I made the right choice in joining this marching band. I already felt at home.