Thanks comes in many ways, including opportunities like marching

Gratitude manifests itself in many ways, but at its root, it’s how we appreciate something.

As we find ourselves in the heart of autumn—with cooler nights and shorter days—schools everywhere have marching bands finishing up their season and preparing for the Thanksgiving break.

And while most parents are grateful to put the marching shoes and permission slips away, let’s take a moment to appreciate the experience.

“Teenagers often see the world through a narrow lens, and high school can feel like a time of never-ending challenges. Among the many activities students can participate in, marching band often gets mischaracterized as a grueling task with little immediate payoff,” says Amelia W. Fulmer, director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center at Flagler Auditorium and a passionate advocate for arts and arts education in the region.

From the outside, it may seem like endless hours of practice in the sweltering heat, donning uncomfortable long-sleeved uniforms while sweating under the 90-degree sun.

“Indeed, marching in that kind of weather is no joke,” says Fulmer. “However, those who have been through the marching band experience often see it as far more than just hard work; it’s a meaningful chapter of their lives.”

“In the four years a student spends in high school, being a part of a marching band offers much more than just the stress of practice and performances. It’s about working together with peers, striving for excellence as a group, and learning to rely on each other. Through this shared effort, band members earn trophies, take exciting trips, and create memories that last long after graduation.”

And that’s where gratitude comes in.

“Looking back, those grueling hours in the sun become a cherished time that helped shape them into who they are,” Fulmer says. “For all its challenges, the marching band experience is something to be grateful for. It gives students a sense of belonging and teaches them life lessons they’ll carry forward into adulthood.”

Encouraging students to try marching band, even if it seems tough or unpopular at first, might just lead to experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime—experiences they will be grateful for long after the final note has been played.

The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Flagler Auditorium is Flagler County’s premier performing arts center. Visit www.FlaglerAuditorium.org to learn more.