LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

If I could travel back in time and show my 8th-grade self my current life, I am positive that she would have joined the Cambria Heights marching band a lot sooner. Unfortunately, I cannot travel in time, but I can share my marching band experience with 8th graders who are on the fence about committing themselves to such an active organization. I joined the marching band in 9th grade instead of 8th grade, and I wish I had leaped sooner. Cambria Heights Marching Band has impacted my life in many ways, but most importantly it has provided me with a caring community and a sense of purpose. 

In elementary and middle school, I was always labeled by my teachers and classmates as “quiet and shy.” As a child, I struggled to make friends and often felt scared when trying to socialize with my peers. When middle school started, I would dread Friday nights because I would see social media posts of my peers having fun together, while I was alone in my room. The marching band members and staff immediately welcomed me into their family and helped me to break out of my shell. After spending two weeks with the band working relentlessly to perfect the show, I quickly bonded with many of my peers. 

The veteran members kindly guided me through band camp and showed me all of the ropes. They invited me to sit with them at lunch, and did everything possible to make sure that every new member felt included and welcomed. In two weeks, I went from being “quiet and shy” to bubbly and outgoing. I began to look forward to Friday nights, instead of dreading them, because I got to spend them making memories and laughs with my marching band family in the stands. The marching band staff also played a big role in building my confidence. They were understanding when I would make a mistake during the drills, and provided me with helpful tips to improve. Their compassion and encouragement provided me with a safe space to confidently learn and grow into the person I am today. 

Being a part of the marching has given me a sense of purpose. All of the love and inclusivity from the past members and staff motivated me to give all new members the same positive experience that I was fortunate to have had. Every August, I would strive to make the new members feel welcomed by inviting them to sit with me at lunch, regularly checking in on them, guiding them through music and drill, and providing them with set books and whatever materials they needed. I felt a sense of purpose when I was mentoring new members. 

Over the years, I served as a “big” for several “littles,” and completed two leadership projects. I have also held two leadership positions. I was the Woodwind Section Leader during my junior year and the Vice President during my senior year. The endless support and encouragement from the band community allowed me to flourish into an outgoing and assertive leader that I am. Throughout this experience, I was able to break out of my shell and develop communication and leadership skills that I use in my everyday life. 

Joining the marching band has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I went from a shy and uncertain freshman to a confident leader with a strong sense of belonging and purpose. The Cambria Heights Marching Band has given me a second family, countless amazing memories, and valuable life lessons. I would tell any 8th grader wondering if marching band is worth it to take the leap. My only regret is that I wish I had started sooner. 

• Lilianna Snyder (2025)