Band Kid Slander Drags On
By Olive Fiore
People who belong to band and orchestra are loved by some and hated by more. We make obscure references to indie video games and prank water balloon fights. But have you ever thought about what a day in the life of a band kid is really like?
As I walk down towards the band room, echoes of arguments fall all around, the “normies” sit in rows all confined to the cafeteria. I continue on, past the vending machines, and place my bag down ready for the chaos of Mr. Goshorn's office. Sometimes we have a choice where to sit, and other times we don’t, but here are some options. We can sit five to a couch, uncomfortably squashed cheek to cheek, or we could sit on tables and a single chair stolen from the theater department- anywhere that I can fit, I do. Then my milk was immediately snatched away by one of three culprits. I pay no mind. Now comfortably sat on the armrest, conversation dims, I begin to reminisce of my favorite memories.
Right before Big Cat Marching Band competition, one disreputable tuba player made the decision to drink half a gallon of chocolate milk. We failed to convince him otherwise. One can assume his digestive struggles afterward. Another story of, you guessed it, a (different!) tuba player involved a melted brick of candy-corn for our Santaween tradition. I can never forget the sweet memories of multiple people telling me that they used to have a huge crush on my brother. You know, if I had a nickel for every time somebody told me that they had a massive interest in my brother, I would have four nickels, which is not a whole lot but it's still weird how it happened four times.
I finish reminiscing, laughing to myself as lunch ambles on and indistinguishable squabbles surround me. I enjoy listening to conversations like these, useless and stupid, yet precisely insulting still.
We are odd, specifically, musicians are odd. There have been days yelling at each other and beefing with other marching bands, and before you judge, explore the day in the life of a band kid.