Back From Band Camp
I know no one cares about this, but I felt like putting my story into text anyway. (So I can pretend to have friends that care about what I say )
I signed up for the marching band at the high school I'm going to, mainly because my brother was in it a few years back. He was always telling stories about how great it is and how many friends he made and blah blah blah. Another part was because this band is one of the best in the state. I know it's not all about winning, but I can't really imagine it being too fun when you're always losing. Going into it, I knew it would be a lot of hard work (especially since I have no upper body strength... or any kind of strength), but I knew that if I didn't do it, my dad would complain about how I wasn't getting enough social activity or exercise until I got into college. Anyway, here's my story so far:
When summer started, we began having band trainings, leading up to band camp at the end of summer (two weeks ago, just wrapping up in time for school to start) We had a few alto sax (the instrument I played) sectionals. A little later, though, there was a woodwind section party kind of thing, where we got to meet everyone. I wore a Team Fortress 2 T-shirt to that. People laughed at me. The rest of the time was pretty awkward, too. I didn't talk to many people besides the ones I went to middle school with. Since then, I feel like I haven't "fit" in like I though I would. I'm not saying that I'm not making friends and stuff, though. Everyone's still pretty nice, but some kids are giving me funny looks for a reason I have yet to figure out. Aside from that though, it's been really fun. I've finally found a group of people that will understand my obscure 80's movie references and when I ask, "What video games do you play" they respond with a giant list of Steam games. It's like I'm finally home.
There are some downsides though other than the not, "fitting in" thing. One of the kids who went to my middle school was a gigantic *censored for Basil*. He was obnoxious and only cared about himself. He would always manage to insult someone intentionally or not in a conversation. Now that he's in marching band, I've found out what he really is: a tool. Since he's been around the "band" crowd, all he's been doing is cussing in every other sentence and making dirty jokes just to fit in. Normally, I couldn't care less, but what's bugging me is everyone likes him. Maybe this is just natural selection taking place. He's adapting to his environment to survive, while I'm sitting here just wondering what's going on. Even if that's true, it doesn't give him the right to be a massive *censored for Basil once again*. *sigh*
There's something I couldn't help but notice during this time. High school is a lot different than middle school. In middle school, I felt everyone was my peer. Now here I am where my classmates are driving and every time I turn around there's two people sucking face against a wall. I can't say this is a bad thing, really, but it's just something I'm having a hard time getting used to. That kind of childhood "innocence" I guess you could say is gone. I'm having to act more mature to fit in (am I a hypocrite?). I'm definitely going to miss being a kid, but it's just a part of life I 'spose.
Well, that's it for now. I know this is going to get zero replies because no one read it, but I felt like posting anyway. C'ya.
9 Comments • Newest first
[quote=partyanimal]that's all I got from this thread... I just felt uncomfortable even reading it[/quote]
Ya, I'm aware of that...
[quote=dus66]Your post is hella awk.[/quote]
that's all I got from this thread... I just felt uncomfortable even reading it
You're doing just fine. I say stick with your hobbies and 'awkwardness' no matter how much other people think it's 'weird'. You'll eventually find your 'core group', and it'll be better in the long run, because you won't have to worry about being stuck in limbo between appeasing the 'cool people' and the 'nerds'.
[quote=JonBaz]Oh, you're Canadian! That's awesome. I apologize. I was assuming you were American. Anyways, marching band is amazing [/quote]
We're not Canadian, we just travel to Calgary every 4 years for a competition.
[quote=JonBaz]If you're in marching band, you're automatically considered a nerd and I was proud of it! Marching band was the best four years of my life. It definitely gets a lot better as you get older as more and more people will respect you for having seniority. I was a part of the Stephen F. Austin High School Marching Band. Heard of us? We've made finals all three times we have participated in Bands of America Grand Nationals. Does your marching band compete in Bands of America? Don't judge four years of marching band on your freshmen year because my freshmen year wasn't that good as well. I was an alternate my freshmen year meaning I wasn't a part of the main drill of the marching band. I only marched in football games, not competition performances. It got so much better though. Trust me. Performing in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans is bliss. I probably cried after every last performance for each year in band. I will always remember marching band because it completely changed my life. Don't give up![/quote]
The highest my band goes to is state finals, then some thing in Canada every 4 years. But yeah, I heard the best part of marching band is seeing a huge crowd of people cheering for you after a performance.
Dude, relax. High is fun as long as.you enjoy it yourself. Nerdy tee's? Look, all my shirts are either nerdy or. travels . Get yourself into as many good situations as possible. Make a goof name for our self in or at least a neutral name. BR YOURSELF PEOPLE.WILL COME TO PEOPLE LIKE.THEMSELVES.
[quote=]Uhm...band kids giving you looks for wearing a nerdy t-shirt? BAND KIDS? If I can recall correctly...when I was in marching band we were ALL nerds, whether we liked it or not. Bahaha.
Anyway, it's probably just because you are a freshman. When I was a freshman I was scared to death and barely made any friends - any REAL ones, anyway. But when I was an upperclassmen, when everyone looks up to you, it's so much easier to make friends and have a good time. But just enjoy it now while you can! Band is (in my opinion) a great experience and a ton of fun![/quote]
Ya, I was thinking about that nerd thing too. That's why I wore it. I am enjoying it so far, though. Even if it does involve doing tons of push ups.
Well, thanks for reading! ^.^
@Lmafroggy I'll try that, thanks
@Valens Thank you
Uhm...band kids giving you looks for wearing a nerdy t-shirt? BAND KIDS? If I can recall correctly...when I was in marching band we were ALL nerds, whether we liked it or not. Bahaha.
Anyway, it's probably just because you are a freshman. When I was a freshman I was scared to death and barely made any friends - any REAL ones, anyway. But when I was an upperclassmen, when everyone looks up to you, it's so much easier to make friends and have a good time. But just enjoy it now while you can! Band is (in my opinion) a great experience and a ton of fun!
Well don't feel comfortable too fast
As for the people talk to them and say you've felt like they've been laughing at you and stuff, I'm in marching band and i LOVE it so much. Everyone has fun and we put lots of hard work into it. If people still don't like you afterwards then move to other people and talk to them c: