Page 37 - 2019 UDMB Senior Will

Senior Game for UD football (We will now take this time to have an Emily Smith appreciation moment). Having known that UD had a band, I knew I had to go check it out. Following the campus tour, we got to the football stadium just in time for halftime. The band came out and played their second show. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea what it was at the time, given that I was on the far side of the field, but all I knew was that they were having a BLAST.
Fast-forward to post-game, and I make my way to the home stands to catch whatever they had to show us to end the night. Little did I know that the show to end the night would be Phantom of the Opera. I don’t think there wasn’t a single moment during that show that my jaw wasn’t on the floor. I was BLOWN AWAY by the power and intensity of the group. It was just... Incredible. Following that, the seniors all got together and played what I could only assume was a “highlight reel” of sorts that reflected on all of the shows they did over their past four years. I had NO idea what any of the stuff they were playing was referring to, but they enjoyed it so I enjoyed it. The entire band then proceeded to get together and play a song that, unbeknownst to me, would become a song that I treasure with every ounce of my being. A song that has, and forever will, keep me anchored. I had just had my final performance with my marching band a week prior, so seeing all of the UDMB seniors go through this for the last time hit me hard. I knew that if I ended up going to Delaware, I NEEDED to be in that marching band.
Sure enough, I ended up committing to UD, and immediately began preparing for my audition for the Front Ensemble. August rolls around, I audition, and I ended up not making it. I was absolutely devastated, but even moreso, I felt lost. For so long I had this activity as an anchor, something I could always look forward to, no matter how my day was going, and now that wasn’t going to happen. It was the first time I had to consider the reality that this activity would soon be something I would not be able to do. I then found out that the Pit was also looking for somebody to run the sound system at games. I had never done anything with sound equipment before, but I took the position immediately. I knew that if I didn’t take this opportunity, and then saw somebody else in the position that I COULD HAVE HAD, having a blast on the field, I would never forgive myself. I wanted to contribute to this band SOMEHOW, even if it wasn’t performing on the field with them. Not gonna lie, it was a rocky start. I was so used to being behind an instrument when I was in band, so this was incredibly jarring for me. As soon as Thursday of band camp hit, though, I knew that this was the best decision I ever could have possibly made.
The season comes and goes, and I’m back to the grind to try and make it my Sophomore year. There was this fire lit in me that I had never truly seen before. I knew that if I didn’t make it this time, odds are it wasn’t going to ever happen. Day after day, I was practicing, hoping to get the music and technique down to a point where I could be seen as worthy of being a part of such an incredible section. Auditions roll around, and I was announced as one of the people that would be in the Front Ensemble that year. To this day that stands out as one of the most rewarding moments of my life. My marching career would continue. What followed was three absolutely incredible and amazing seasons that have helped me grow as both a musician and a person. From the funky beats of “One”, to the in-your-face rock of “Peace of Mind”, to the truly out of this world nature of “To Boldly Go”, I’ve loved every second I’ve had on the field. These shows also brought with them incredible opportunities that I never thought I would actually have. Getting to march down the streets of Philly for the Thanksgiving Parade was truly unforgettable. There really is nothing quite like waking up at 4 in the morning and going and showing your Blue Hen Pride while absolutely freezing your tail off. And on that same note, the overnight trip leading into Allentown was some of the most fun I’ve ever had as a member of this marching band.