My Drummer Boy

01

7th Grade: Rose's POV

I was sitting in class, ready to go to the next. My next class is band, I know, cheesy. But today we had the band directors from the high school coming to talk to us about high school band and the marching band. 

I was doodling in my notebook when the bell rang. I packed all my things into my bag and headed towards the band room. As I walk in, I see them talking with my director. I put a smile on my face and walk towards my seat, eager to hear what they say. A few minutes pass, I have my saxophone in my lap, and the bell rang, starting class. 

"Hi guys! Today we have the high school band directors coming to talk to you guys about high school and what the band is like. So, give them your undivided attention and welcome them"

"What's up! We are the directors at the high school right across the street and wanted to give you some insight on what high school band is like" one of the directors states. They continue talking about the different things their program has and what they've done. I honestly zone out until they mention marching band.

"Marching band is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. But, if you ask any of our students, it's one of the best, and most rewarding, things you'll ever do. We have a spring camp that introduces it to you, and from there you can decided whether or not you want to do it. We start on the last week of July and continue through until November. Because it is football season, we have 8th grade night this Friday, so in 2 days. If any of you guys would like to come to a football game and play with us, you're welcome to. We are going to have a 'party' beforehand and you'll get to meet people in your section and learn some cool things."

I was so excited. Ever since my friend did marching band, all he could talk about was how awesome it was. It excited me to know there was something fun I could do that also included music.

2 days later

I showed up to the high school and saw some friends. I went over to them and talked for a while before a band kid came up to us.

"Hi, my name is Bailey. I play bass clarinet, and I'm part of the leadership team we have in the band. What are your names and what instruments do you guys play?"

We all answered, and she ended up showing us where the different sections were for the "band party". I was the last one left, and she led me to a table. She introduced me to some people before she headed off to other kids. I didn't know anybody, so my social anxiety kicked in. I stood in the corner just watching the section as they were eating and dancing to some music that was playing. 

Eventually, someone came up to me with her friend.

Random Girl: "Hey, my name is Scarlet, and this is Chris. We saw you in the corner and just wanted to make sure you were ok"

Rose: "Yeah, I'm ok. I just don't know anybody here for me to talk to." 

Chris:"Well, what's your name?" 

Rose: "Rose" 

Scarlet: "Nice to meet you Rose. What grade are you in?"

Rose: "7th. I go to the middle school right across the street from here" 

Chris: "Oh, that's cool. Do you plan on doing marching band?"

Rose: "Yeah, I know Dylan. He's one of my best friends. He plays the trumpet, and all he can do is talk about how much he loves marching band."

Chris: "I know exactly who you're talking about. He's pretty cool, if you ask me" He shrugged.

We continue talking until the directors told us to get our instruments and line up. We lined up with instruments and music about the walk to their warm up area.