Together they were right. Middle school band was nothing great. Like everyone at that age, we were learning and adjusting to this foreign object which was intended to make a beautiful sound. Learning the basics of my horn and how to make music as an ensemble rather than make noise as an individual was difficult and frustrating. I thought after 4 years of this I should not be terrible. But in that time it grew on me, I began to enjoy my time with it. The new challenge with every note and rhythm made it addicting. I wanted to keep going and build upon my skills. Become the best I could with something not many ever try. I kept at it, forcing myself to practice, to become more polished and do something I could be proud of. But in middle school band, there was nothing to look forward to, other than the next four years in the high school marching band.