What the Marching Storm Means to Me

Shonda McDonald ‘11

For many students band is merely half-time entertainment that provides a few trips out of town and an occasional excused absence from an otherwise long semester. For me however, band is much closer to heart. I started this endeavor almost twelve years ago and I can honestly say that it has played a critical role in shaping my life. Early in my high school music days, I realized that becoming a member of the marching band requires one to develop and enhance skills such as punctuality, discipline, and determination. All of which combined, serve as underlying principles of leadership and ultimately success.

Once at Prairie View, I began to apply those skills in order to remain focused on my goal of becoming a member of the Marching Storm Band; now two years later, I am so glad I did.

My involvement has allowed me to be exposed to opportunities available to Prairie View students that I may have overlooked or just not known about. Even band practice, sometimes 3-4 hours per day, allows me to set aside the stresses of academia and personal hardships seemingly fading away as the presence of more than twohundred fellow band members partake in a passion and love of music. This program is a constant reminder of hope and survival as it continues to surpass obstacles such as a consistent lack of funding and the most recent passing of our long-time director, Professor George Edwards to name a few.

Just watching as the Marching Storm endures challenge after challenge has inspired me to confront adversity in all aspects of my life. It is understood that regardless of the hurdles we encounter in-order to show up for a game, the crowd expects an entertaining performance every week. That is exactly what is meant when my band recites “It Doesn’t Rain On The Storm, It Rains Around The Storm.” I apply this ideal to life in-that no matter what happens, you cannot allow anything to stop you from achieving your goal. So when asked what band means to me, I respond, my life.