From all over the school, seventh and eighth grade musicians walk towards the band room, drawn as though the room itself is a giant magnet. Heavy black cases containing clarinets, trumpets, and saxophones are heaved on the desks, to be opened and put together. Tuning and free playing fill the air with a cacophonous din. Eventually, everyone manages to sit in the right spots on the other side of the room, open their music folders and listen attentively to Mrs. Holsapple, the band director. She leads the entire band through scales, correcting mistakes and praising good sound.

I have been playing the clarinet since 4th grade. Thankfully, my sound has changed a lot from the squeaky stuttering I used to force out of my instrument. I have made so many friends through band, and am very glad of it. We talk about difficult parts in the song, or how cool it a line sounds with the whole band playing their very best. When some of the band tried out at the District II Music Auditions, we all listened to each other and wished everyone good luck.

Personally, I am ecstatic over the music that we get to play this year. Along with a piece that contains Star Wars, Harry Potter, and E.T. themes, we also get to perform In the Hall of the Mountain King. Mrs. Holsapple also wants to play a song for the winter concert that has kazoos. Phantom of the Opera is also one that has been requested. Just the combination of being with good people, playing great music, equals for me an awesome band.