Page 3 - 2019 Senior Will

Kara Anderson ~~
I am so grateful to all of the people I have met and all of the memories I have made through this crazy activity called marching band. I have not only learned how it is possible to put an amazing show together in a few short weeks, but I have also learned a lot about myself in terms of discipline, perseverance, and leadership. I am so glad I decided to get involved in marching band eight years ago (is that really how much time has gone by??). In the future, I hope I can give back to this amazing program that has given me so much!
Thinking about just how much effort and time goes into making a marching band show amazing is truly mind boggling. There are so many people helping behind the scenes like scheduling rehearsal time on the field and making sure everyone has the correct uniform parts and knows where to be when. The staff have the enormous job of teaching the members the show and analyzing what can be done each rehearsal to make it better (in addition to dealing with so much more). The members of the band must work toward incorporating the corrections and suggestions from staff members to improve their performance. They must think about where they’re marching, how they’re marching, how their body looks, what note to play, what the dynamic of the music is, what the style of the music is, in addition to so much more. That is a difficult and stressful job, but the product is beautiful.
There are so many intricate parts to having a great performance. After enough reps, most things become muscle memory which makes it a bit easier to manage. However, I believe pushing past that muscle memory and really thinking about every step and every note elevates the performance that much more. This activity is one of the most difficult things I have dedicated myself towards, but it has also been one of the most rewarding things that I have done. For that, I am so thankful, and it is extremely bittersweet being done with this chapter in my life as I know it.
I am forever indebted to so many individuals for helping me along the way, encouraging me to improve, and laughing through the good times and the bad. Overall, thank you to EVERYONE that has participated with or instructed me along the way. Even if we didn’t interact much, we were a part of something great which is amazing in itself – so thank you!
First off, I want to say thank you to my sister, Erin. If it weren’t for you, who knows if I would have done marching band in high school let alone college. I always wanted to be like you, so thank you for talking so highly of your experiences in marching band which pushed me to join my freshman year. I have always looked up to you – you’ve been one of my greatest role models. You always give sound advice, and I appreciate your support and guidance throughout the past 21 years. I know that no matter what happens, I’ll always have your love and support, and I am so grateful for that. So, thank you for getting involved in marching band back in high school and encouraging me to join as well! It has positively influenced my life in so many ways, both that I can recognize and cannot.
Secondly, I would like to say thank you to my parents. You have endured so many humid and hot parent-preview shows and freezing cold football games, all to support Erin and me in the band. You have been there through all the tough moments as well as the celebratory ones. You have helped out with the band in high school, and dedicated lots of time to driving us to practice, allowing us to have private lessons, helping us pack for band camp, encouraging us when we didn’t have the best performance at a competition, helping pass out snacks at half time, taking photos during performances, volunteering at the home competitions, and so much more. Your endless love and support do not go unnoticed, and I appreciate it so much. Thank you for supporting me in everything