I actually auditioned to be in the band. Fresh out of high school were I played mallets in the pit percussion for marching band (yup, never marched). They said that I could play the cymbals, since there was no mallet section. (Eek! Never played the cymbals before. Man, those things are heavy!) I went to one practice. We were out on a field, in shorts, with no instruments. We were drilled in the high stepping that is their trademark. Ugh. Tough stuff, seriously. I ran distance in cross country and track & field in high school. This made those look like pleasure strolls. Not even halfway through the practice, my lungs gave out. I'd already taken my inhaler twice, and could stand no more. I couldn't even begin to imagine doing this in a wool uniform, while carrying and playing a heavy instrument. So, I packed up my stuff and went home.

I settled for Concert Band, which was great fun. I learned how to play the cymbals and more. We also had Mike Leckrone as the conductor 2nd semester. What a guy! (You have not lived until you have seen Mike throw the conducting baton at the euphonium section.)