Being in the GBMB has pushed me into so many different fields and encouraged me to connect with so many new people. I’ve loved how it’s given me the opportunity to step into a position of leadership as well as find a new community for me to lead. I feel so welcomed and I’m happy that I am able to fulfill a role that supports others and I am very excited to be back! Class of 2028

Some of my favorite parts of being in the GBMB has to be getting better at my instrument, the physical training and strength building, and getting to perform at Ford Field! The most important one to me would be all of the friends I gained along the way. I came to trust my friends, teachers, and directors and they made my experience so much more worth it.

Class of 2030.

I am so grateful for my time with the GBMB. Rehearsing over the summer with my friends, playing the fun music, and competing at competitions are some of the best memories I made while in high school. It opened up so many opportunities for me to perform, learn new things, and meet so many cool people. I will always remember hanging out with my friends at school, on the field, after practice, and all around town. You will find your people in the GBMB! Class of 2028

At first, I wasn't sure if Marching Band was for me. I knew some of my friends were going to the Spring Rehearsals, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go. They told me to at least try the first one, and I am so glad that I did. I met so many people that I am good friends with now and it helped me prepare for my freshman year in so many ways. I was comfortable with the campus, knew the routines, and felt confident for my first day since I knew my friends would be there! Class of 2029

I chose to be in the marching band because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. From my first moments in this group I felt like I belonged. Performing in front of a crowd makes me feel proud of all of the work we put in, but what really sticks with me is the words of encouragement and support I get from my friends, random spectators, and especially the schools that we compete against. Those moments of performing are surreal, and they’re the ones I’ll never forget. Marching Band has taught me many things, but it’s shown me that my band family will always be there for me.

Class of 2026

I chose to be in the marching band because it is a welcoming community full of students and staff alike that push me to be a better player, performer, and person. The connections I've built and the lessons I've learned will last me my whole life. The feeling of accomplishment as I march during a competition or during a show is beyond describing. It’s something that I enjoy putting time into and the dedication definitely pays off. I love reviewing our shows and focusing on what we need to improve while also highlighting how much we've grown and I'm so glad I joined! Class of 2027.

As a former coach, I needed my son to be a part of something bigger than him. I wanted him to mature and realize that other people are counting on him to uphold his responsibilities in this band, and that he will be held accountable if he doesn't. As a member of this band, I've watched my son become a leader within it and at home. Even though he's still an introvert, I can see that he has a voice in his band FAMILY. My wife and I are extremely happy with the role the marching band has played in the development of our son. We didn't pay for him to play; we INVESTED in our son through the band knowing it would develop his character for the future. Parent, Class of 2027

Marching Band has been a great experience for our kids. Being a member requires dedication, discipline, and hard work, but it also encourages creativity, expression, teamwork, and musical excellence! More than that, it’s a community where students make lifelong friends while perfecting skills they’re passionate about. Parent, Class of 2026

For my older son, marching band became a place of belonging. It gave him a community where he felt accepted, understood, and valued, not for being the loudest voice, but for being a steady and dependable one. Through band, he found his people and a sense of confidence that carried beyond the field. I watched him step out of his comfort zone, form lasting friendships, and discover that he has an important place in something bigger than himself. For my younger son, an advanced eighth grader, marching band challenged him in a different but equally important way. It pushed him to think beyond his own abilities and achievements and to work harder than he ever had before. Band has taught him that being talented is not enough and that leadership, effort, and selflessness matter just as much. He learned to raise his expectations not only for himself, but for how he contributes to the success of the entire group. Parent, Class of 2027

Marching Band has shaped my sons into more responsible, resilient, and compassionate young men. It has taught them lessons that reach far beyond music and marching, including teamwork, perseverance, humility, and pride in being part of something greater than themselves. As a parent, I am grateful for the impact marching band has had on our young men's lives and our family. We feel part of the GB BAND Family too! Parent, Class of 2027 and 2030.

In 8th grade he marched in the Homecoming parade and got to sit with the high school band at the football game. He felt welcomed there, and that made a difference. The following spring he came home and mentioned there was an interest meeting at the high school - that night. From that night on, he was hooked. Over the years, marching band has given him a real sense of belonging and some of his closest friendships. He's found his people there. It's also where a genuine love of music has grown, and where he's learned what it actually takes to show up and do the work.I'm grateful this program exists, and proud of who he's becoming through it. Parent, Class of 2027.