A Love Letter to Band Life.

And just like that , my chapter as a “Band Mom” has come to an end. 🎶

They may continue to play in other ways (and I truly hope they do), but our marching band journey is now officially over. And oh, what a journey it has been.

I am a self-proclaimed Band Mom, inside and out. All three of my children were in band, and two continued on to perform with their college marching bands.
Yes… very proud mom moment!

After-school activities were all new to me. I didn’t have access to extracurriculars when or where I grew up. But when my firstborn was in 8th grade, I watched his future high school band perform at a community event—and it was love at first sight.

So when he joined marching band as a freshman, I jumped in wholeheartedly, even with two little ones still in elementary school. I volunteered every chance I got—and the younger two came with me everywhere. It was no surprise that, when their turn came, they joined band too. One of them even served as Drum Major for two years.

I followed them everywhere—indoors, outdoors, to the bleachers, the parking lots, the stadiums, and on the buses. I wouldn’t trade a single moment of those years. I proudly became their unofficial “band photographer,” capturing memories that still bring me joy at my core.I have enough pictures of marching formations to make my own yearbook.

Watching those students—my children and their bandmates—work so hard for hours, in the heat, in the cold, through rain, sweat, and pure grit… the discipline, the teamwork, the camaraderie—it often overwhelmed me in the best and most emotional way. Band life brought me immense joy and gifted me friendships that I’ll cherish forever.

My heart swelled even more when the younger two continued marching at the college level, with my son serving as Drum Major for the past two seasons. I attended as many college games as I could, cheering just as loudly.

This year , we got an extra gig, one extra football game. And when I heard they would be performing at a pep rally, I wouldn't , couldn't miss it.

My heart is full, yet tender, as I write this. This is the end of marching band for us as a family—for now, at least. Who knows what the future holds? But one thing is certain: I will forever be a Band Mom.

To all the Band Parents out there—I see you. I hear your cheers. Show up, stay present, and soak in those beautiful, fleeting moments. They go by faster than you think.

Just my ramblings today…

#BandMomForever

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