 | When you hear music and start marking time. |
 | When you walk behind someone and you're in
step with them. |
 | When you try to guess the tempo of your
favorite song. |
 | When all your friends are in the band. |
 | When you don't mind changing clothes on a
bus. |
 | When you point out key changes and dynamics
while listening to the radio. |
 | When you've put more miles on the pit
equipment than you have your car. |
 | When you like wearing your uniform. |
 | When people ask you about your social life
and you say "Oh, you mean my Flute/drum,etc." |
 | When you consider your drill book a fashion
accessory. |
 | When it's fun to play the show backwards. |
 | When you practice your instrument more than
you talk to your dog. |
 | When being mauled by a drum is a normal
part of life. |
 | When people worry when they see you without
your instrument. |
 | When you're eligible for free dinner points
at the local fast food restaurants. |
 | When band camp is fun. |
 | When you knock on peoples doors with the
opening cadence. |
 | When someone says the word "Set" and you
automatically put your head up. |
 | When you remember flats and sharps more
easily than your name. |
 | When you dress the lunch line, and urge
others to do the same. |
 | When you can show up to practice in your
pajamas and dripping wet and no one notices. |
 | When slides feel normal. |
 | When your instrument has a name and you
give it a birthday party. |
 | When you remember your instrument's
birthday and forget your mom's. |
 | When making a line is the biggest
accomplishment of your day. |
 | When jazz running no longer reminds you of
ballet. |
 | When "armed guard" means a girl with a pole
instead of a guy with a gun. |
 | When you have more clothes in your band
locker than in your closet. |
 | When your uniform can get up and walk to
you. |
 | When black feathers become a fashion "do". |
 | When you see your section more than your
family. |
 | When everyone wants to beat the other
football team...and you want to beat the other band. |
 | When you dream about fund raising. |
 | When you think evening practices should
last longer. |
 | When you accidentally call your band
director "Dad". |
 | When you can sight-read. |
 | When you can put on your uniform in less
than 10 minutes. |
 | When reeds taste good. |
 | When fund-raising food becomes part of your
daily diet. |
 | When you think your plume is alive. |
 | When marking time is your favorite form of
exercise. |
 | When you have a neck strap/harness tan
line. |
 | When you subconsciously start practicing
with a pencil. |
 | When numbers past 8 aren't important. |
 | When you're more opinionated about your
school's band than President Clinton. |
 | When you roll-step through the cafeteria so
you don't spill your lunch. |
 | When you'd rather practice than read the
list. |
 | When letters past G aren't important. |
 | When playing in the rain is fun. |
 | When you chew your food in rhythm.
- Author Unknown |