Personal Narrative: A Concert Band Leader

A time I wish I had spoke up as a leader was a couple of months ago when a past concert band member wanted to be apart of marching band. This individual had not attended band camp, which is a requirement if you want to be in marching band. The individual had family issues which prevented him from attending. Once school started he went to the first football with us and played the show music during class. I thought there would be an exception due to his circumstances of not being able to attend. Later I found out that leadership and our band director would decide whether or not he would be included in our show. His drill spot had been written, now it was just if he was committed and be able to. I thought he deserved a chance, so I wanted to help him. I figured our band director would too. But at the same time, our
It made me upset because I could tell the individual wanted to be a part of the band family atmosphere. Being in band meant everybody had each other's backs, through the good times and the bad times. That Friday we had a home football game and he sat next to the band in the stands. He watched as play the National Anthem, the fight song and many other pep tunes. He saw us enjoying ourselves and cheering for the football team when they made the only touchdown of the night. I saw him, and I felt horrible. I tried to distract myself and forget. The next home game he came again and he stayed to watch our performance after the game was over. If this was not considered commitment and want, then I guess I do not know what commitment is. He had showed he wanted to be in band, he wanted to be a part of the band family atmosphere. Instead some leadership just pushed him aside. I still feel bad for not saying anything and standing up to the member in leadership that said he had to prove he wanted to be in band. I could have said something. Looking back, I wish I would have spoken