I grew up in Albuquerque, NM, where, when we went to high school, you had to pick a lane…
You were either a Jock, a Freak, a Cowboy, in the ROTC, or you were a BAND KID, or a DRAMA KID.
I felt the peer pressure to take the Jock lane, but boy did I want to be with the Band and Drama Kids.
My advanced placement classes, which were called “honors classes” back in 1985, were full of Band Kids.
They always seemed to be smarter, like they were having more fun, and truth be told, they were also some of the best soccer players in my high school.
Fast forward to our 10-year high school reunion; the Band Kids were the MIT graduates, the Professors, the Inventors, the Surgeons, the Attorneys, and some of the best Entrepreneurs I have ever met.
In the meantime, some guys like me to this day don’t even have a college degree.
Here are a couple of pictures of my son playing in his holiday concert with his friends the other night. Truth be known, I am raising a Band Kid.
In fact, he now plays the trumpet, the tuba, and the guitar… but he also sees himself as a student athlete and wants to join the drama club next year as he heads off to high school. He thinks it would even be cool to try to be on the football team and play his tuba at halftime at the games.
Kids today don’t have a problem with taking multiple lanes.
I am so glad that our kids have a healthier view than I had when I was growing up.
I have to say it was so exciting to watch all these kids grow in their learning to play these instruments over the last three years. When they started in sixth grade together, they sounded like nails on a chalkboard… but last night they sounded like a real symphony!
And the best part was watching them laugh, giggle, and connect with each other before and after their amazing performance.
So I wanted to take a moment to cheer on all our Band Kids and the teachers that so patiently help them to become real musicians.
And I want to give a shout-out to all the Band Kids I grew up with…
You sat in the stands, played your instruments with greatness, sometimes in a snowstorm, and cheered us Jocks on!
I am here to thank and cheer you all on now.
I am sorry I couldn’t see your greatness back then.
I see it now and have for quite some time as I check in with many of you on social media.
I am so happy that my son has chosen to play with all of you.
I just wish I would have had the courage to pick up that trombone almost 40 years ago to join your life symphony.
This is a little late, but…
ALL YOU BAND KIDS, YOUNG AND OLD, ROCK!
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BAND KIDS!!!!
Happy Holidays everyone!
-don
Don O'Neill
When Don is not behind a microphone, you might find him helping clients shop for properties to buy, invest, or sell. As an active investor, Don seeks out properties for long term investments. Schedule Your Sit Don with Ron today!
3 thoughts on “An Apology to all the Band Kids I Grew Up With…”
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Thank you! I too was a band kid and am still one as I am a high school band director. Thank you for supporting your son as he figures out who he is. I hope he keeps exploring and tries as many things as he can. Some of the kindest, smartest, funniest and talented kids I know are in band, choir and drama and play football, basketball, soccer, tennis and run! I know I am lucky to be able to teach these kids everyday. It truly is the best job. Best of luck to your son!
Nicely said. Funny how we reflect back in life. Give them what you never had. Say hi to Ron. Stay cool 😎
THIS 100%! So many people don’t understand how hard it is to be a Band or Drama kid. Just this year there have been two very public attempts by colleges to push the Band out of Bowl and Championship festivities, but thanks to the strong community of Band kids, the Universities and Television did an about face and let the bands play. Music and the Arts are the greatest uniting forces in the World. We can not lose them.