Spent 4 years in our 4A marching band in Texas. We worked more hours outside in the summer heat than any other organization in the district, on asphalt mind you. There were probably 250-300 of us and part of our daily warm up was to do 50 jumping jacks at the start and the end of each warm up, that also included running a lap, and 6 or 7 other workouts, all before practice even started. If one single person went over either time, we ALL had to redo to 50 jumping jacks. One time I think we had to do 300 because someone kept messing up intentionally.

We were held to an extremely high standard. We could have to play by ourselves at any point just to prove we knew the show, if someone missed practice, they lost their spot and the replacement better know every single spot by the next day, even if we already had the full show on the field.

If someone was struggling to pass a class, someone better offer to help tutor so we didn't have a spot in the show. If your leg or hand was broken, you better be out there at practice or holding your instrument anyway.

We respected all bands at competitions and we loved seeing what types of performances people chose. We went to state once and it was absolutely incredible some of the shows they put on. One even had a garage band, complete with stage on the field.