My Motivation

After realizing Austin’s ability to be honest with everyone and be emotional with us and Taryn’s story, I don’t feel like I need to hide any of this. I’ll make it brief. In grade school, I was ignored for being quiet and shy. I had about two or three friends. In sixth grade, Ms. Tucker talked me into doing mega band. I had some fun, but it wasn’t until 8^th grade that I joined marching band. There I met Bridget, James, Brandon, Peter, and Andrew (Lasher). They just welcomed me in with open arms and treated me like an old friend. Lasher taught me everything I know and showed me a welcoming I didn’t even think to expect. Homie and Jeremy got me educated in how to do marching band. I started to hang around these five people. They became like family to me before long. I started to come out of my shell. It was quick and before I knew it, I was making friends all throughout the band. I got along with just about everyone. After a while, I had a lot of friends and by the end of Heroes, I was completely different from when I started. I was out-spoken, talkative, and sarcastic. But, more importantly, I wasn’t shy or awkward or lonely. Marching band saved me from being a sad loner. Marching band saved my life.

            I know people may find me annoying, proud, rebellious, hot-headed, argumentative, and sarcastic, but I wouldn’t even have that identity, or any identity for that matter, if it hadn’t been for marching band and music in general. My motivation is to express this show. It embodies quite well what I went through. I struggled with exile and was even picked on for that. I eventually broke free through the power of (as cheesy as it sounds) music, friendship, and family. I want everyone, from Avon to Forest Park, to see this show and realize the message we bring to the forefront. This show is a beacon of hope to those who struggle with whatever ails them. It’s hope. This show is hope. We NEED to express this show to our fullest potential. For those like I was, who think they’re alone and that no one is out there. For those struggling with anything that brings any sort of hopelessness. Be the hope. I know this show alone may not do much, but it can still do something. Don’t forget what this show is about. It has a wonderful theme. It is relatable to anyone that has gone through any struggle. To me this show’s message is hope. Let’s make sure those who watch our show feel the hope. That, to me, is the goal and purpose of this show. To give hope to those who need it. In the words of the late Freddie Mercury; “The show must go on.” It must go on…past Central.

            Also, on another note, when I was younger, Andrew Lasher and Josh Brown welcomed me in with open arms. They were two tall Juniors with skills far beyond anything I could do. I’ve made it my high school goal to be like Andrew. He is my role model. I looked up to him then and still do. To the older members, the 7^th and 8^th graders may look to you like I did to Lasher. We need to be welcoming and open-armed to them. That’s one way we can portray the message of the show in our daily lives. Treat them like friends and don’t scare them off.

            Thanks for reading, now let’s go kick butt at Regionals!

Author's Note

Personal message for a few friends.